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Dating for People with Disabilities

© Shannon Lester

Dateable said their mission was "to combat the isolation and social discrimination often experienced by people with disabilities." After fourteen years of operation, they have kept their promise. Dateable is a dating agency for people with and without disabilities. Their main office is located in Chevy Chase, MD, but their services aren't unique to Maryland alone.

Dateable Washington, located in Chevy Chase, serves people from Washington, D.C., Virginia, and a handful of Maryland counties. Many members are attracted to the social events offered by the organization. The Holiday Party and Valentine's Day Party remain two of the most popular. An Intimacy Panel was held on January 30, 2001, and was a great success. Members joined at The Pavilion in Rockville, MD to discuss ways to enrich their dating lives, as well as effective ways of "getting more" out of them.

Those who wish to become Dateable members must go through an evaluation process before gaining admittance. At the Dateable office, applicants speak with Robert Watson, executive director, to discuss their likes and dislikes. Watson obtained a master's degree in social work at the University of Maryland. Upon meeting with Watson for an evaluation, potential members talk about what they want in a relationship. Staff members at Dateable use this information to find matches for members.

Membership to Dateable Washington costs $100.00 for the first year. Members can renew membership each year for $25.00.

Members are encouraged to consult with Watson if they have questions about dating and socializing. He answers questions members have about relationships. He can also offer guidance on how to have a better social life, or how to handle "kissing on the first date."

Bonnie Bezila is the matchmaker for Dateable Washington. Before joining the Dateable staff in 1992, Bezila worked for Bell Atlantic for 22 years. She grew up in western New York, but moved to Maryland in 1972. In addition to matchmaking, Bezila attends to many other tasks, such as "watering the plants" and managing payroll.

Dateable Washington has a total of eight employees as well as two volunteers. In addition to Watson and Bezila, there are a number of others who make sure Dateable delivers effective services. Among these other employees are those working in office support services: Jeri Wasco, Elaine Steich, Jane Hemmingway, and Erin Degnan.

Dateable has expanded its services beyond Maryland's borders and now offers nationwide services through Dateable International. Members of Dateable International are matched with members across the United States with common interests using a computerized matching system. Diana Stuart is the membership director. Dateable International is the only organization of its kind with more than 250 couples that have married so far. The number of new members from Europe, Latin America, and Asia is growing.