| Online dating for disabled persons through a variety | | | | thoughts and feelings and reach out to similar minded |
| of sites is fast gaining popularity. There are many | | | | people. In time, increased confidence and enhanced |
| special websites that only offer disabled dating | | | | self-esteem stand testimonial to the effectiveness of |
| services. However, a number of more general | | | | the site. |
| websites for the disabled also have a dating feature. | | | | For those living with disability, a need as vital as |
| These websites deal with a number of issues facing | | | | dating is to just connect with other people. A glance |
| those who live with disability, dating being one among | | | | at the postings on any disabled dating message |
| them. | | | | board reveals how many people are simply looking |
| Dating and meeting new people is a very real issue in | | | | for someone to talk to. |
| the lives of challenged people. The need for intimacy | | | | The dating feature of disabled related sites |
| and the desire to find a potential partner is no | | | | effectively address this issue by providing easy |
| different from that felt by anyone else. | | | | access to a range of people. The feature facilitates |
| With society constantly setting standards for beauty | | | | interaction between the members and creates a |
| and social acceptability, those with disabilities often | | | | platform for social networking. |
| find they do not fit the mould. Thus many challenged | | | | It is significant that sites for the disabled are |
| people are inhibited by a negative self-image and a | | | | accessed both by those living with a disability or |
| sense of inadequacy as a result of their impairment. | | | | condition as well as more able-bodied people. Family |
| Dating for disabled people becomes easier through | | | | and friends, caregivers and professionals are also |
| sites that offer this service. The Internet makes | | | | interested in what the sites have to offer. |
| them anonymous and thus negates feelings of | | | | Those interested in dating disabled people subscribe |
| self-consciousness. Members can then interact in a | | | | to the sites hoping to meet a compatible partner. |
| safe and non-threatening environment without | | | | There is thus considerable interaction between |
| worrying about their disability. | | | | able-bodied people and those with disabilities, with |
| They can enjoy the fun part of dating and | | | | both benefiting from it. |
| experience the excitement of connecting with new | | | | By being a part of a larger website, the dating |
| people, without worrying about what the other | | | | component of disabled sites is no less effective than |
| person is thinking. By the time they are ready to | | | | sites devoted only to dating. In fact, they are able to |
| meet in person - if at all, a lot of inhibitions have been | | | | offer their members access to a far wider base of |
| worn away. | | | | information and more forums to interact through. It is |
| Another way by which the sites help is by giving | | | | no wonder then that dating for the disabled through |
| information and advice on almost any issue one can | | | | these special sites is proving to be a rapidly growing |
| think of! They allow their members to share their | | | | phenomenon! |