Finding Love and Friendship Online When You’re a Person With a Disability

As the online social community for people with disabilities, Special Bridge loves connecting you to new friends. Whether you’re looking for a date or just someone to hang out with, you always have a place to go online. Of course, this is true whether you you’re a person with autism, blindness, deafness, or any disability!

And recently, we talked about tips you can use to meet someone offline for the very first time. With these ideas, you’ll be ready to set a meet-up with a friend from Special Bridge, and then do something fun!  But we also wanted to give you a few more helpful tidbits to help connect in the digital space too. So, let’s start the friendships roll in!

More and more people are meeting online

If you’re new to trying out Special Bridge or still aren’t quite so sure about online dating and relationships, rest assured that meeting people online is very common in this day and age. In fact, the majority of Americans actually say online dating is a good way to meet people.  And the Pew Research Center reports that almost 1 in 5 US adults have used online dating sites or mobile dating apps. What does this mean for you as a person with a disability? There are plenty of people out there waiting to connect with you!

Staying safe in the digital world

Safety is often a concern for people when dating online or meeting new people. But there are a few ways you can feel more confident when sharing information about yourself on the internet. When setting up your Special Bridge profile, have a friend or family member help you or ask them to review it afterward. This way, they can be a second pair of eyes and double-check what you’re sharing. Because Special Bridge is a private community, we make sure the site is a safe environment for everyone. However, it’s still advised that you limit any sensitive personal information such as phone numbers and addresses and save those for swapping in-person.

Using hashtags and meet-ups

Consider using additional online tools to grow your friendships and the Special Bridge community. Searching hashtags on other social networking sites, such as Twitter and Instagram, are a great way to join in on a conversation or a topic that you’re interested in. To connect with other people with disabilities, try searching for your specific disability, for example. Meetup.com is also a great way to find local events that benefit people with disabilities. And after you ask them to join Special Bridge, you can connect with them digitally too!

A continuing, online connection

On that note, online communities are prevalent in the digital space too. So, be sure to seek out organizations and networks that are supportive advocates for people with disabilities. You can use these to connect with more people just like you! And beginning a relationship online gives you the potential for creating lasting and life-long connections. Of course, Special Bridge is always the right place for you to find friendship and love in the digital world, for people of all abilities!


20 comments:

  1. Colin Ripp

    June 13, 2018 at 7:36 pm

    Very nice

    Reply
  2. happysmiley

    June 20, 2018 at 11:36 pm

    Would Special Bridge be able to provide links to some organizations, networks, support groups, etc. for its members? Or give us tips on how to search these out ourselves?

    You are wonderful, caring people for giving us the opportunity to meet peers online. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  3. Jose Acevedo

    June 29, 2018 at 9:56 am

    Hello

    Reply
  4. Tripp Johnson

    July 7, 2018 at 6:52 am

    Hi. I’m a high functioning young adult. I drive and have a part time. I would like to meet some people like me that are searching for friendship or maybe even love. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Shetha

      February 19, 2019 at 11:36 pm

      Hi Tripp , when u find that info send me a link to finding a proper date site . Cheers dude 👍

      Reply
    • Lauren

      March 18, 2019 at 9:59 pm

      I read your note and would like to be Friends. I am living in New Jersey with a disability. I live by myself with the nurse. I could use some new friends since most of my old friends seem to have gone away or are too busy to get together. I am 53 years old and divorced… I have two children who are both away college…. I am still friendly with my ex-husband.. I love comity and good movies. Which movie it is your favorite? Write back soon
      Lauren

      Reply
  5. jennifer85

    July 12, 2018 at 8:26 pm

    Hi I’m Jennifer looking for people I can build friendships with and would also like to find a boyfriend. I’m developmentally disabled and live with my mom please message me if your interested

    Reply
  6. Tay Beamon

    July 20, 2018 at 10:20 pm

    hey I’m tay beamon I’m 24 years old and looking for friendships and dating someone my age i live with my dad and have a dog named coop and I’m a fun person to be around message me if ur interested!!!

    Reply
    • colinripp

      August 29, 2018 at 10:56 pm

      Hi, so am I. I’m 27 years old. Are you interested in me?

      Reply
  7. Darryl (new knee)

    September 20, 2018 at 10:31 pm

    I’m man in my 60’s
    and have had a few relationships over many years
    and been burned a couple times by girls

    and looking for someone special a girl/woman.
    possabally on the west coast
    i don’t want to relocate.

    would like to start slow and go from there

    thanks newknee

    Reply
    • Grace

      December 7, 2019 at 11:38 pm

      I am in my 60’s . Recently divorce. Looking for a nice friendship.

      My requirements

      Play Bridge and have cense of humor

      😉

      Reply
  8. DennisFox

    November 9, 2018 at 3:48 pm

    Hello To Everyone. I am new to the special bridge. My name is Dennis W. Fox. I am looking for a new wife I am also looking for someone from 40 to 53 years old. I live in Mt. Pleasant, MI. I have no kid’s but do have 2 cats that are nut’s.

    Reply
  9. Janice Bradley

    February 28, 2019 at 9:49 am

    I am single women handicapped like to talk women the best really nice meet group what’s look like face happy and outdoor seating for walks afternoon good for you with me

    Reply
  10. Michelle

    June 20, 2019 at 6:51 pm

    Hi my name is Michelle just looking for a friend someone to talk to preferably a girl
    I have cerebral palsy schizophrenia and ptsd

    Reply
  11. Nicole

    October 1, 2019 at 6:36 am

    Hello, I am 53 years old. I worked as a psychiatric nurse for 17 years, before my first tangle with cancer. I was on long term leave, and after a few years ended up on disability and pretty much lost contact with the work friends I had.
    I am on my own, been divorced many years. I live with my son, just for his safety and mine.
    I do not drive, I am ambulatory but I use either my walker or cane depending on my pain level daily. I guess I feel lonely as the only time I see other people is on my Dr appointment days.
    I am very outgoing , understanding, open minded, and really would love to meet new friends.
    My interests are pretty simple. I love music, mostly classic rock. I enjoy going out for lunch or just conversations out for coffee. I would really like to meet new friends that I don’t have to feel less than because of my limited ability to get out.

    Reply
    • Jessica

      February 9, 2020 at 4:54 pm

      Hi there! My aunt Paula is looking for friends but is not very tech savvy when it comes to navigating websites (though she uses a tablet with the best of them). She is 64, lives with her daughter and son in law, and is limited in her mobility due to a stroke 9 years ago. She can be very funny and loves to laugh. Would it be possible to connect you guys to each other?

      Reply
  12. Dennis Ryan

    March 26, 2020 at 2:03 pm

    I am 66,and just starting out on the dating scene. I have had dates, but I am still looking for that special one. Is here on Bridges a place to start my soulmate.

    Reply
  13. Mary Grace

    June 11, 2020 at 8:15 am

    Hello! I am 53 and from Pennsylvania. I am physically disabled due to arthritis and a few other issues. I use a wheelchair. I just would like to correspond with other people with disabilities. I feel no one understands what it is like to be in a wheelchair or not to be able to do what seems effortless to a healthy person. If you would like to chat or just vent hit me up!

    Reply
  14. Phyllis

    August 19, 2023 at 11:06 am

    Hi I am Phyllis, But call me RED if that no problem . I am looking for anyone to be friends and understand, i am 65 love the out doors , Love camping going fishing,
    I am a animal lover always will. I heed good friends that hard to come by… I live in Tucson Az all my life.. Well please be kind to each other who really need a friend am here to meet any one but moy in woman as i can.. Smile be safe..

    Reply
  15. Sandy Short

    September 2, 2023 at 11:58 pm

    Hi, my Son is very smart but he was in a car accident at the age of five. He is partially disabled on left side but walks, takes the bus, etc. I know he needs friends and would enjoy talking with a lady around
    45 to 52. He’s very nice and
    I hope you can talk with him.
    He lives in Everett, WA.
    He owns his own Condo and he is very independent as far as taking care of
    himself.
    You can email me if interested.

    Reply

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