Dating, Relationships, and Disability

For the last few weeks we’ve been looking at The Big Three challenges in dating with a disability - Communicating with potential dates, figuring out how to meet people, and issues that are specific to disability, such as accessibility and transportation. I would easily argue that most people dating, disability or not, struggles with the first two. If you haven’t listened to them, I would encourage...

There are obviously many challenges to dating with a disability. After all, that’s why I have created a podcast devoted to these issues, as well as my work. Over the last few weeks we have been looking at the The Big Three challenges of dating with a disability: communication, how to meet people, and disability related issues specific to dating. Today we’re looking at the last of the Big Three. Wh...

The most common question I get on dating is, "How do I meet people?" It’s one of the top three challenges people with disabilities (and I’m sure people without as well) report as being a barrier to dating. I did an episode on how to meet people back in episode 29. It gives a good structure for combining the familiar with new venues to meet people. Today, I want to expand on this and look more at w...

Initiating Conversations  >>>Get the brand new Initiating Conversations guide here <<< Initiating conversations with people we are attracted to or interested in requires a combination of confidence, effective communication, and genuine interest in the other person. Firstly, confidence plays a crucial role in breaking the ice. Confidence doesn't mean arrogance; it's about bei...

When I was younger, I wasn’t very interested in research, mainly doing research. It’s the main reason why I never pursued getting a PhD even though I was encouraged by my professors to do so. However as I have gotten further and further along in my career and especially in my work with dating, relationships and disability, I really see the value of it as a means of figuring out solutions to proble...

Do you often feel the dating industry does NOT get disability? Or at the very least. you don’t see a lot of representation of disabled people? In 2022, the dating industry in the US was a $10 billion industry, expected to grow to $24 billion by 2032. Yet, it seems like people with disabilities are not included in designing apps, marketing, or just valuing diversity. I was thrilled when I was invit...

Today we're delving into three essential communication skills that can transform your dating and relationship experiences. We'll also go over practical tips for mastering these skills. Listen for the actionable steps to help you cultivate these skills. The Art of Listening Our first key skill is often overlooked but plays a pivotal role in any successful relationship – the art of listening. In the...

Share your thoughts about the podcast here . Today, we're taking a look at the skills that lead to meaningful connections in dating. While that’s obviously been the intention of dating as long as dating has been around, I definitely feel in the last few years with our post Covid world and so many people meeting online, that developing a meaningful connection with someone has become even more chall...

We're diving into the incredible world of resilience, and how living with a disability can actually be a superpower when it comes to dating and relationships. So, you might be wondering, "How on earth can THIS be a superpower?" Well, let me tell you, it's all about resilience—the ability to bounce back, adapt, and thrive in the face of adversity. Now, imagine this: you're navigating the world with...

On today’s show we’re keeping it real and tackling the tough stuff with a side of humor. We're diving into a topic that many of us can relate to but might not talk about enough—dealing with mean comments about dating with a disability. Yep, we're going there! Facing Mean Comments in the Dating World So, picture this: You're out there in the dating world, swiping left and right, and then bam! You c...

Grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, because today's topic is all about dating and why having a game plan for the new year can be a game-changer in your quest for meaningful connections. So, let's dive right in. The new year is upon us, and with it comes the perfect opportunity for a fresh start, especially when it comes to our dating lives. Now, I get it, the whole resolution thing might seem...

We're talking about dating and relationships, but with a special focus on why it's a quality of life issue for people with disabilities. Love and connection have a profound impact on our health, happiness, and attitude, and today, we're breaking it all down. Now, let's kick things off with the big question: Why is dating and relationships so important for people with disabilities? Well, the answer...

Why a Dating Curriculum? We have quite a few terrific curriculums out there teaching people with disabilities about sexuality and sexual rights. But as I always say, what about dating?? I know much of my podcast and resources are geared toward people with disabilities who want to date. However, I often work with professionals in disability services raising the issue of dating and providing trainin...

In the complex world of dating, our judgments and attitudes can significantly impact the dynamics of our relationships. Whether it's societal expectations, personal biases, or the influence of stereotypes, understanding and managing these factors is key to building healthy connections. Dating is already a complex journey, but for those with disabilities, it often comes with an added layer of chall...

It's crucial when you are fostering a healthy sense of sexuality and relationships, that you reflect on where you're at by beginning to ask these questions: When you think of being in a relationship, what do you envision? How do you want the other person to treat you? Why do want to be in relationship? What needs and desires are you hoping it will fulfill? What are your fears about being in relati...

I have done several podcasts about the power of beliefs when it comes to dating. Actually when I think about the work I do in dating and relationships, it’s really all about mindset. Transforming my own beliefs from someone who people would reject in the dating scene to someone who knew the value of what I could offer to a relationship was the key for me in finding lasting love. I often think if I...

Bear with me for a minute on this one so that I can properly explain this. A Love for Grocery Shopping Wanna know a weird fact about me? I LOVE grocery shopping! Yes, I know many people dread this unavoidable task. Not me, though! Being the foodie I am, it’s a weekly journey to Mecca for me. Being Seen and Judged It’s also a common place to see and be seen by many other people. When we are seen by...

We have an important topic to discuss: the significance of saying no to sexual ableism in dating and relationships, especially for people with disabilities. Understanding Sexual Ableism Let's start by defining sexual ableism. What is it, and how does it manifest in the context of dating and relationships? Sexual ableism is the discrimination and bias that people with disabilities face concerning t...

Do you sometimes read online advice articles and think, "Well, I didn’t learn anything new?" I often feel that way about articles offering dating advice, and many times, the articles don’t speak to the particular challenges of dating with a disability. Today, I’m taking some nuggets from an article, "How to Be Better at Online Dating According to Psychology," and offering a twist to them if you li...

"I don't feel attractive." If you haven’t said that at some point in your life, I think you’re in a very small and fortunate group. Most of us have grappled with this feeling, which is really a belief, at some point in our lives, especially when it comes to dating. While we are certainly working on changing this on both an individual and collective level in the Disabled community, we can still mak...

Dateability has been featured in the Washington Post, USA Today, and National Public Radio to name a few. Our Mission Dateability is the only dating app designed for the disabled and chronically ill communities. Here's a description from their website: People with disabilities and chronic illness often encounter ableism on other dating apps. We understand the unique circumstances that present when...

Try Dating Made Easier for 14 days for just $7 . According to the Googles, “Skin in the game” is a phrase made popular by renowned investor Warren Buffett referring to a situation in which high-ranking insiders use their own money to buy stock in the company they are running. The saying is particularly common in business, finance, and gambling and is also used in politics. And I would add personal...

If you have been listening to me, even for just a tiny bit, you know I often say dating is very hard and then I quickly follow that up with but totally possible. However, I may not have added that latter part when I was in the throes of dating. Whether I was or wasn’t doing online dating, I actually did not know if I would be able to experience dating success. For me, success in dating meant findi...

Recently, a podcast listener asked me this: May I ask, what were you doing at 23 socially and what do you wish you knew then? My Social Life at 23 Ummm…I had to think about it for a few days. I told him it was a great question and my longer answer would make for a great podcast. Here’s what I told him: What I Was Doing in My Early 20s At age 23, I was living with a roommate of mine from college. W...

First, how do you feel about the word interabled? Let me know at kathy@radiantabilities.com. You see, 1-in-4 U.S. adults – or about 61 million Americans – have a disability according to the CDC. With mental illness and invisible disabilities on the rise, the statistics of people living with disabilities are probably greater. If you’re out there dating, the likelihood of having a partner with a dis...