Dating, Relationships, and Disability

Tina Fegley and Tyler Waldman who met on a dating app called Dateability , a platform specifically designed for inclusive dating, share their story on today's podcast. Tina and Tyler will be special guests inside the Dating Made Easier community in June. Join here to get in on the conversation. Tina and Tyler both found mainstream dating apps frustrating—she'd face awkward reactions when mentionin...

Our next workshop is June 4 on Dating, Rejection, and Disability: Finding Resilience and Connection. Register here for just $10. Embracing Summer's Natural Advantages Summer transforms dating for people with disabilities by reducing weather barriers and improving accessibility. Outdoor venues offer more space and flexibility than cramped indoor locations, while warmer weather eliminates the c...

When the same patterns emerge with different people—getting ghosted after a few dates or relationships consistently ending at the three-month mark—it's time to look deeper. These repetitions aren't coincidental but often signal behaviors you're blind to. Dating coaches excel at spotting these patterns and developing strategies to break free from cycles keeping you from meaningful relationships. Th...

Building Self-Esteem Through Guidance Dating mentors provide crucial external perspective for people with disabilities, helping them recognize their unique qualities beyond societal beauty standards. These mentors highlight attractive characteristics beyond physical traits, fostering genuine self-esteem independent of social validation. They help individuals see themselves as complete people whose...

  Download the resource guide for this podcast episode, My Relationship Vision. You cannot expect qualities from others that you haven't developed within yourself, including comfort with your disability. Personal growth and disability acceptance create an authentic foundation that naturally attracts compatible partners. Understanding your values, embracing disability as part of your identity,...

Emotional intimacy forms the core of meaningful romantic relationships, built on vulnerability, trust, and communication. While people with disabilities may face unique dating considerations, these universal principles remain essential for developing deep connections. The Power of Vulnerability What many perceive as weakness actually demonstrates remarkable strength in relationships. For individua...

Sexual violence against people with disabilities remains largely invisible in conversations about disability justice and sexual violence prevention. Survivors with disabilities experience mental health impacts at significantly higher rates than non-disabled survivors, with PTSD affecting up to 45%, depression affecting 50-60%, and anxiety disorders impacting 40-55%. People with disabilities who ex...

  Alarming Statistics People with disabilities face a devastating and largely invisible epidemic of sexual violence. The statistics are alarming: individuals with disabilities experience sexual assault at rates seven times higher than those without disabilities, with women with disabilities facing double the risk compared to non-disabled women. For those with intellectual or developmental dis...

Rejection in dating affects everyone, but disability adds a unique layer of vulnerability. When facing rejection, it's easy to wonder if your disability influenced the outcome. Remember that rejection is universal for anyone seeking connection - the difference is in questioning if someone couldn't see past your disability to appreciate your full worth. Acknowledging the Hurt Allow yourself to feel...

You sit across from someone who makes your heart flutter, wondering if tonight is the night you'll mention your diagnosis. Unlike a visible disability, your multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or chronic fatigue syndrome remains hidden beneath the surface of your appearance. This invisibility creates a unique challenge—you look "normal" while battling symptoms within. The question of when and how to dis...

When dating with a disability, believing "I am a worthy partner with a lot to contribute" becomes foundational. This mindset influences everything from dating profiles to conversation styles. Those who genuinely see their own value communicate with confidence—leading with interests and accomplishments rather than disability, initiating passionate conversations, expressing unqualified opinions, and...

Resilience isn't just about surviving the dating scene—it's about transforming challenges into strengths. Your life experiences have shaped you into someone who can adapt and thrive in difficult situations. When facing ableism, accessibility issues, non-inclusive dating platforms, and the complexities of disability disclosure, resilience keeps you moving forward. Dating Burnout Burnout manifests a...

The Confidence Gap You're confident in your career, friendships, and personal growth, moving with assured grace. Yet in dating, you second-guess every move. This contrast isn't uncommon, but understanding its roots can help bridge the gap. Why Dating Feels Different Dating vulnerability combines personal rejection with romantic intimacy—a uniquely exposing combination. Professional rejection relat...

Register for Managing the Emotional Roller Coaster of Dating workshop here.   Dating with a disability adds distinctive dimensions to the universal experience of seeking romance. This journey requires both individuals to develop deep wells of empathy as they navigate a world experienced differently. True understanding goes beyond sympathy, demanding active engagement with lived experiences, c...

Understanding Disability in Relationships Finding love as someone with a disability means seeking a partner who understands and celebrates your whole self, including your disability as an integral part of your identity. Reflect on what meaningful disability inclusion and acceptance look like to you personally, and consider how potential partners demonstrate their understanding of disability rights...

Growing up in a marginalized community, you may face unique challenges in dating that others don’t fully understand. Social stigma can feel overwhelming, but you deserve love, connection, and joy, regardless of societal biases. Embrace Your Authentic Self You may feel pressured to downplay parts of your identity to fit mainstream dating norms. However, authenticity is your greatest strength. When...

Asking someone with a disability about their sexual capabilities is profoundly dehumanizing and ableist, revealing a deeply problematic view that reduces individuals to their physical conditions rather than recognizing them as complex, multifaceted human beings. Such invasive questioning fundamentally disrespects personal boundaries, assumes that disability somehow negates sexual agency or intimac...

Dating with a disability introduces unique challenges that center around vulnerability and communication. The journey of connecting with potential partners is often marked by a delicate dance of self-disclosure, where individuals must navigate the complex terrain of when and how to share their experiences and needs. Breaking Through Fear: The Power of Early Communication The initial hesitation to...

Dating and Disability: An Overlooked Quality of Life Issue Dating and relationships are a critical yet often overlooked aspect of disability advocacy, playing a vital role in the quality of life for people with disabilities. While discussions frequently center on healthcare access, employment, and accessibility, the impact of romantic relationships on disabled individuals' well-being deserves more...

Dating begins with recognizing your desire for meaningful connection amid today's complex landscape of apps and social expectations. Initial doubts and insecurities surface, revealing that the journey is as much about self-discovery as finding partnership. Navigating the Digital Space Creating profiles and sending first messages becomes a delicate dance of authenticity and presentation. Each inter...

Are you tired of endless swiping and dates that feel more like job interviews? You're not alone. Today we're exploring why your path to meaningful relationships doesn't begin with the perfect profile picture – it starts with understanding yourself. You'll discover how self-awareness becomes your greatest asset in navigating modern dating and creating authentic connections. The Hidden Operating Sys...

Register here for Dating Made Easier and the Doing the Impossible in Dating workshop on January 8. People with disabilities can transform their dating lives by healing body shame and embracing their authentic selves. Our deep dive reveals that body shame isn't innate - it's learned and can be unlearned through self-acceptance and challenging societal beauty standards. Mainstream media's narrow rep...

You're being welcomed into an intimate and empowering conversation that speaks directly to your experience navigating relationships and disability during the holiday season. Moving beyond common narratives of challenge, you're guided through a refreshing exploration of hope, connection, and authentic love. As you listen, you're invited to discover how love manifests in your life beyond traditional...

Happy Holidays! We  dive deep into reimagining the holiday season through the lens of disability and authentic connection. We explore not just the challenges, but the rich opportunities for meaningful relationships that arise during this festive time. You'll hear about how love shows up in unexpected ways – it's not always about that romantic partner, but maybe it's that friend who truly gets...

  The holiday season, often centered around family and togetherness, can amplify feelings of isolation, particularly for those navigating dating while feeling marginalized. Loneliness during this time is common, but it’s also manageable. We’ll discuss strategies to turn this season into an opportunity for self-discovery and social connection. From reaching out to friends for casual meet-ups t...