Dating Site For People With Disabilities

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My Special Match For Dating And Companionship

Online Dating With A Disability

My Special Match was inspired by Amanda, a young woman with special needs who found it difficult to meet people once she graduated high school. My Special Match is owned and operated by Amandas family and created for singles with special needs and adults looking for friendship, dating, or companionship.

The site allows adults with unique abilities a safe and private space to discover new friends both near and far.

The Best Dating Apps To Help People With Disabilities Find Love

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The art of dating is already tough to master, but factor in the stress of how, when, and where to share your disability? Now its even more complicated.

It isnt easy to figure out whether or not to disclose your disability in your profile, but the truth is, you shouldnt have to be concerned over that. You should be able to enjoy the process of getting to know new people, having some back-and-forth banter, and assessing whether or not theres potential for sparks to fly. Your disability does not define who you are, nor does it have to have any negative bearing on your love life.

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Whether youre an amputee, physically disabled from an accident, or dealing with a life-long mental health condition, its understandable to want a partner who can empathize with you. Thats why its important to take note of this: Anyone can find and is deserving of love, regardless of their disability. You just need to start looking in the right places.

If youre tired of the superficial swipe culture and youre looking for a real connection with someone who can understand your life for all that it is, weve rounded up 8 apps and sites for disabled people that are a great place to start.

Many People On Dating Websites Act Superficially

A big problem with online dating, with a disability or not, is that dating websites bring out the most superficial in people. Although this can be difficult for everyone, can be especially difficult for dating people with disabilities.

As much as possible, when dating with disabilities, you should present yourself as positively as possible on your dating profile, while still being forthcoming. Unfortunately, many common dating websites will have people who do not appreciate the other qualities of people with disabilities.

The end result can be less engagement on the biggest dating websites.

That is one of the biggest reasons that people with disabilities benefit from dating websites built especially for them.

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The Stereotypes Are Insidious

People thinking your significant other is your carer. Being spoken to like its your brain that doesnt work when its just your legs that dont. Being lauded as an inspiration for daring to exist as a disabled person these experiences are sadly all too common, not helped by the media portrayal of disabled people, or the general perception of people with disabilities, which can also make dating as disabled people challenging.

Choosing The Best Disabled Dating Sites

Dating site for people with a hearing disability portfolio, Product ...

Unfortunately for those genuinely interested in disabled online dating, there are too many websites out there that look great from the outside, fancy design and all, but once you sign up, you find it to be a completely empty website with no actual users and no real features or functions. We dont want this to happen to you, which is why we decided to look into dozens and dozens of disabled dating sites and to hand-pick only those that are actually worth your while.

In order to do so, we have followed several important criteria. First of all, we were interested in the features each of the websites had to offer. In addition to the traditional ones, like browsing, searching, filling in profile details and uploading photos, as well as messaging, on many of these websites there are also instant messages, chat rooms, flirts, lists of favorites, blocked users, the not interested feature, little black book, and many more. Basically, each of the websites on our list will give you just the features you need to successfully reach out to people, start making friends and find love.

We also thought it was important to assess the ease of use of these websites. Some dating sites are just way too complicated for a regular user, and we didnt want to include those websites here, mostly because they often come hand in hand with poor functionality, and also because we feel that all users want their experience on a dating site to be pleasant, fun and easy.

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Glimmer Connect A Resource For People With Disabilities

Glimmer Connect is a social and relationship website designed for people living with a disability and their families. Those proud of who they are and the challenges they deal with can enjoy a superficial, safe, fun, and judgment-free zone to connect with others.

Glimmer, which has been spotlighted by BuzzFeed, Mashable, and the Chicago Tribune, was founded by Geoffrey and Christine Anderson. The two were inspired by their brother and son, Steve, who struggles with a cognitive disability. Steve noticed a lack of social resources for folks with disabilities. To combat this, Geoffrey and Christine created an inclusive network to help people with disabilities and their families connect, share stories, make friends, and even find love.

Tips For Successful Dating With Disabilities

  • Plan: Be proactive about finding ways to work around your disability, if youre worried about it interfering. Have a couple of go-to places that you know are accessible. You can even call ahead and ask for accommodations if that will lessen your anxiety.
  • Be yourself: You might be tempted to hide your disability, especially when it comes to online dating. Dont. Anyone worth being in a relationship with will be accepting of you. Be upfront, either in your profile, or on the first date its a good way to weed out who just isnt worth it.
  • Watch for red flags: While its normal to want to believe the best of people, especially at the start of a relationship, its also important to keep an eye out for any red flags. Does your partner walk faster than you and expect you to keep up? Show no interest in learning about your condition or making accommodations? Are they overly concerned about appearances? Time to leave such people behind.
  • It probably is them, not you: Its tempting to blame every rejection on your disability, but thats simply not true. Relationships dont work for many reasons, not just because one partner is disabled. Therefore, its important to try and remember that rather than blaming yourself.
  • Dont settle: Most importantly, remember that you are a wonderful, awesome person who is inherently deserving of love. Your disability doesnt define your worth dont settle for anything less than you deserve.

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Best Disabled Dating Site: Elite Singles

Whereas Elite Singles may have fewer users at roughly 290,000 per month, it does boast a higher percentage of individuals with higher education degrees. If you are looking for a companion that is serious, goal-oriented, and open-minded, you may find just that using this dating site. Many users find value in openness and honesty, which includes disclosing disabilities.

Key features of Elite Singles are:

  • Easy registration.
  • Profile suggestions to help you find the right match.
  • The ability to communicate with your match using a simple interface.

If you are looking to meet someone with a disability or someone who will accept your disabilities, Elite Singles is a good choice. You will find plenty of people who are dedicated, hardworking, active, and open to the idea of dating someone no matter what disabilities they may have.

Welcome To Special Bridge

‘End The Awkward’: Sex and disability

Special Bridge is a private dating site and online social community designed to help meet the social and emotional needs of its members. Through a supportive and friendly environment, people of all ability levels can make new friends in a fun, private, and welcoming setting. Whether you want to find a romantic relationship or a simple lasting friendship, Special Bridge can help its members find their perfect matches.

As seen on

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Example Of Disabled Dating Websites

  • Local Online Dating for Seniors

    Senior Friendfinder provides a free dating service for seniors, and disabled members of society where the elderly, and persons with disabilities, can pursue pen-pals and friendships at their leisure. This is one of the best sites of its kind for elderly persons and baby boomers looking for companionship, love, and romance. Further information can be found in our review of Senior Friend Finder.

  • Dating sites designed for the visually impaired where you can find friends, make dates or simply look up information regarding persons with disabilities.

  • For the People dating website for the blind:

    A free social networking site. Users need a microphone and a sound card to interact on this website. Users create a screen name and password upon registration. Personal identities are not shared unless site members choose to offer the information with other users. Graphic language is not permitted on this dating site.

  • Plentyoffish.com

    A free dating site that is not just for the blind, but for everyone – and works well using the JAWS screen reader software.

  • Dates Near You

    Local Dating Services for Women and Men – By joining a local dating service, rather than an online dating site that lists worldwide members, you have a far better chance of finding a compatible male or female close to home – rather than finding your ideal mate happens to live on the other side of the world!

Find Love For Free At Meet Disabled Singles

Meet Disabled Singles 100% free basic membership lets you browse the site, view profiles, send flirts, and manage your dating profile. You have the option to purchase a premium membership to gain additional access.

Members can browse singles and send private messages, join live video chat rooms, and see who has viewed or favorited their profile.

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Disabled Mental Health Professionals Weigh In

Does having a disability or at least revealing it need to be disclosed on a dating app? This is a crucial aspect of dating while disabled.

Dr. Danielle Sheypuk, a New York City-based therapist specializing in the psychology of dating, who is disabled, wrote in a column that on dating apps, disabilities should be displayed in written form and perhaps visually through pictures. She says that this policy would help prevent a lot of heartache and rejection. The people who would react strongly to a revelation of disability are likely to swipe past a person who is disabled, allowing both parties to avoid the uncomfortable interactions entirely

Dr. Mitchell Tepper, a sexologist who coaches people with disabilities on online dating, and is also disabled, has a different perspective.

If theyre looking for a relationship, not just an impersonal physical relationship and not just an online chat relationship, then I would disclose something about my disability in my profile. But I would not make it the main point of my profile, he advises. Id have pictures with and without my wheelchair if its a visible disability.

Dr. Tepper tells clients to mention their disability in as few words as possible.

Less is more these days, so you gotta put a hook to it, he says. I tell people not to overshare.

Be Confident Or Fake It Til You Make It

Best Dating Sites for Disabled People, Reviews and Free Trial

Dating can be intimidating, especially on online dating sites. But one way to boost your confidence is to fake it til you make it.

Use positive body language, dress in a way that makes you feel good about yourself, and practice self-affirmations to remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. Remember that everyone has insecurities.

Therefore, try not to let your own doubts hold you back. By being confident, you will give off an air of self-assurance that can help you feel more comfortable.

Confidence is often a matter of mindset, so dont be afraid to act confident even if you dont feel it. With practice, it can become more natural.

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How Eharmony Makes The Road To Finding Love Smooth

While there exist several dating sites for people with disabilities, eharmony is a great option for anyone looking to expand their dating pool beyond that, with features that work specifically for dating with disabilities. Here are five reasons why you should choose eharmony if youre looking to date as a disabled person:

  • Compatibility Matching

Check Out Credible Matchmaking Service For People Struggling With A Handicap

There are a variety of dating sites aimed at finding love within the handicapped community. In addition, there are many agencies and apps that aim to improve the matchmaking experience between disabled and non-disabled singles and help to bring these people together!

The above editorial recommendations are not exclusively aimed towards unable-bodied folk, but are also open to able-bodied people who want to meet singles with certain limitations or handicaps.

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Inaccessible Hospitality: What An Incredible Conferencethat I Had To Leave Early

Thursday, December 15, 2022, 5:07 PM

There I was, lying on the pullout couch less than 2 feet above the floor, where my mother and my fri

There I was, lying on the pullout couch less than 2 feet above the floor, where my mother and my friend, Kathy, were strenuously bending over to pull up my pants, put on my shirt, preparing me for PRWeek.

My mom is a trooper. At 62 years old, shes made countless trips out of town with me for work, physical therapy, and the occasional vacation and shes always been my number one helper. But, lifting and rolling my 225-pound body is more than a one mama job. We are lucky to have Kathy.

There I am, lying on a pullout couch and in the Hoyer lift

Getting in and out of bed, or in this case a pullout couch, could be easier. Unfortunately, all the hotels in Chicago we contacted have beds on platforms, meaning there is no space between the bottom of the bed and the floor. Why is that important? Well, there is this piece of equipment a Hoyer lift that can assist my helpers getting me in and out of bed. Quite frankly, its the only way I get out of bed.

Because we couldnt find a hotel that simply just had space underneath their beds, where the legs of the Hoyer lift could slide under lifting and dropping me above the bed I was stuck on the pullout couch.

And, as I mentioned, the pullout couch is literally only 2 feet above the ground. Not. Easy.

But, I had to leave early. It was just too much.

Find The Best Dating Sites For People With Disabilities

Navigating dating with autism, developmental differences

We hope this brief article on some of the pros and cons of using the most common dating sites for people with disabilities. At the end of the day, a lot of people are affected by these problems. But that just means that somewhere, people have reliably put together a solution for them!

To learn more about the advantages of finding a community for people with disabilities, feel free to reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!

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Our Editorial Review Policy

Our site is committed to publishing independent, accurate content guided by strict editorial guidelines. Before articles and reviews are published on our site, they undergo a thorough review process performed by a team of independent editors and subject-matter experts to ensure the contents accuracy, timeliness, and impartiality. Our editorial team is separate and independent of our sites advertisers, and the opinions they express on our site are their own. To read more about our team members and their editorial backgrounds, please visit our sites About page.

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Reasons To Join Special Bridge

When you sign up for Special Bridge, you will feel welcomed and supported by a private community that truly understands how difficult it can be to meet new people with similar disabilities.

Unique Matching Tools

Find other people with similar interests, disabilities or even someone in your local area. With Special Bridges matching tools, its easy to make new friends and meet like-minded individuals.

Real People No Fake Profiles

Special Bridge contains 100% real members. We do not allow for fake profiles. At Special Bridge, you can rest assured that all members are real people that you can communicate with today.

Private Messaging & Chat

Our internal chat and messaging system is an easy and great way for our members to communicate privately without giving away their personal contact information.

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Free Dating Sites And Apps For The Disabled

The information in this article is current as of March 8, 2022.

Meeting new friends or finding love online isnt easy for anyone. The combination of mastering a dating site with talking about your disability is even more stressful. So how do you share this information with potential matches? When is the right time to tell them?

Consider this your ultimate guide to free dating sites and apps developed especially for the disabled. Whether you have a physical or mental disability, these websites are ideal for finding new friends or the perfect match.

Dating Websites For Disabled People Limit Peoples Options

dating site for disabled people: 2013

Of course, only using dating websites for disabled people can limit your options. At the very least, it narrows the scope of the people you can meet. Somebody great might be left out if youre only using dating websites for disabled people.

On top of that, it narrows your scope to only a certain kind of person. Connecting with someone who understands your struggles can be great. At the same time, connecting with someone who shares new experiences and perspectives with you can also be great.

At the end of the day, it depends on what kind of experience you are looking for with a prospective dating partner. Do you want someone who will broaden your horizons and challenge you to do new things? Or are you in a place in your life where you are looking for someone who can empathize and appreciate what it is like to be you?

Both options are perfectly valid, but you should keep in mind which one you are looking for. And you should also keep in mind that online dating websites just for disabled people can favor one option over the other.

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