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