What Is VEDA?

VEDA was founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1983 as the Dizziness and Balance Disorders Association of America (DBDAA). Its goal was to provide general information to the public about vestibular (inner ear) disorders. With media attention, demand for the organization's services grew rapidly. In 1987 the name was changed to the Vestibular Disorders Association, and VEDA was chartered as a national organization.

VEDA now offers more than 70 publications on general and specific topics related to vestibular disorders. It also provides a directory service (Resource Lists) by U.S. state and world region, listing health professionals who specialize in vestibular disorders. In addition, VEDA serves as a hub for support groups located around the world and manages a pen-pal type service (the Link List) for VEDA members who wish to communicate with others experiencing the impacts of a vestibular disorder.

Publications offered by VEDA include short explanatory documents; three full-length books (an overview for people with dizziness and balance disorders and comprehensive books on Meniere's disease and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV); two shorter books with coping strategies and low-salt recipes offered by VEDA members; and a video or DVD containing interviews with health professionals about symptom management, diagnosis and treatment, and understanding the cognitive and psychological impacts of vestibular disorders.

VEDA's Web site, redesigned in late 2005, facilitates access to information for members and the general public, and purchases of VEDA publications or membership may be made at the online store. Also available on the Web site are the regional Resource Lists of health professionals specializing in vestibular disorders; numerous links to public organizations, informational and research sites, professional societies, and government agencies; a calendar of conferences and training opportunities for professionals; and more.

For members, VEDA provides discounted prices on publications and publishes a quarterly newsletter (On the Level) with news about ongoing research, diagnosis and treatment information, support-group news, and articles by health specialists. Individual members of VEDA have the opportunity to join the Link List, while professional members are invited to participate in the Resource List service.

VEDA is funded primarily by individuals, through dues and contributions, with additional support from foundations and corporations (see Sources of Funding). VEDA members and donors know that their dues and contributions support our efforts to increase public awareness and understanding of vestibular disorders, with the goal of expanding opportunities for research, diagnosis, and treatment options. Backed by such dedication, VEDA was able to represent people with vestibular disorders at the Social Security Administration's policy conference on disability determination for vestibular disorders, held in Washington, D.C., in November 2005.