Disabled Dating Sites: 6 Tips for Choosing Your Best Option

30% of U.S. adults have used dating sites or apps (and the percentage is far higher if you only ask younger adults). Are you ready to get into the online dating game?

Joining dating sites can be stressful, especially if you have a disability. While people with disabilities can have strong and healthy relationships, putting yourself out there can be more intimidating.

We’re here to talk about how to decide which dating apps and disabled dating sites to use. Read on to learn more.

1. Check Out the Features

Many dating sites and dating apps are simple and straightforward. You typically upload a photo and write a brief bio about yourself. The profiles list your age, your general location, and potentially your education and career if those things are important to you.

Some dating sites go into more detail, however. There are pros and cons to every potential feature so it’s up to you to decide if you want them.

For example, some sites ask users to input more information that could indicate to a potential partner whether or not they’re a good match. For example, they may ask for your spiritual beliefs, your religious affiliation, and your general political views. They may also ask for things like height, your build type, and whether or not you have or want children.

On a site that’s made for people with disabilities, they may ask for details so you can be paired with someone who has similar experiences.

Others ask fill-in-the-blank questions. Potential matches can see your answers and decide whether or not you’re a good fit.

If you’re looking for a long-term partner or friend, compatibility checks can be helpful. They show you your potential compatibility with other users so you can see if you have a better chance of getting along!

2. Prioritize Safety

Safety is key when you’re using dating apps and websites. The majority of people on these sites are genuinely looking for connections, but there are always a few who have more sinister plans.

There are also fake accounts on many sites. Larger sites have trouble getting rid of fake accounts because they pop up so quickly and the user bases are so large. A smaller dating site (like Special Bridge, for example) can get rid of fake accounts more easily.

Fake accounts may be scammers, but at the very least, they’re disappointing! That’s the last thing you want from a dating app.

If a site is willing to run background checks on suspicious users, that’s even better.

3. Free or Paid?

If you’re on a budget, a free or low cost site is your best option. Paid sites may be more effective for some people, but they’re usually not disability-specific, and while this isn’t a bad thing (inter-abled relationships are fantastic!), you wouldn’t want to pay money if you don’t think you can find what you’re looking for.

Other dating apps and sites have paid features and upgrades on an otherwise free site. It’s up to you to determine whether or not this is a good option for you.

4. Long-Distance or Nearby?

Where are you trying to find a partner?

Many sites and apps only allow you to search nearby, at least if you’re using the free versions. This works for most people because they’re looking for friends and partners that they can meet in real life without having to wait for a long time.

However, people who are looking for someone more “niche” or people who have already exhausted their local dating pools may want to branch out further.

If this is the case for you, it’s helpful to choose an app or site that doesn’t restrict your location limits. Your next partner could be across your town or across the country!

Make sure that you’re open to long-distance relationships if you’re looking for partners outside of your local area.

5. Read Experiences from Other People

Reading other people’s experiences with dating sites and apps is tricky. Many people will only write a review if they’ve experienced something very good or very bad, so finding realistic opinions is tough!

Remember that dating is unique for every person. One person may have a terrible experience finding partners, but that person may need to work on themself before they try online dating again. It may not be the fault of the platform.

On the flip side, someone who found the love of their life right away is an anomaly. This is why you’re looking for people in the middle.

6. Try Sites Out (But Feel Free to Leave)

As long as you’re using sites that are free, there’s no harm in trying a site out and leaving if it no longer works for you.

Even if you join just to take a cursory look at the other people on the site, that’s okay. There is nothing tying you to the site and you can always return later.

Finding the Best Disabled Dating Sites Is Tough!

Dating sites and apps are almost necessary these days if you want to find a partner, and while they can be overwhelming, they’re also a lot of fun!

Once you narrow down the best disabled dating sites, you’ll open yourself up to meeting a bunch of new people.

If you’re on the search for new friends and partners with disabilities, we recommend you check out Special Bridge. It’s a site made just for disabled adults to connect and socialize.

Registering is easy, so join us today!