Dating for People with Disabilities


© Shannon Lester
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Dateable International is eager to meet its members' needs. In some cases, members are matched with those who are geographically close, but are "encouraged" to be meet others living in the United States.

The organization describes itself as an "equal opportunity dating service." Many members have disabilities. Ninety percent of its members are disabled.

Dateable International staff suggests that you be as specific as possible when describing your interests. It is suggested that you choose a maximum of ten personality traits to describe yourself. In addition to his position as executive director, Watson was once a Dateable member. He met his wife at a Dateable Valentine's Day party. They were married in 1992. He is president of the board of directors at United Cerebral Palsy as well. Watson stresses that Dateable is also a great place to build lasting friendships. He met his best friend, with whom he has traveled all over the country, at Dateable. The majority of members come from the United States and Canada.

According to Watson, social events at Dateable Washington are a great way of meeting people. When members come together at dances, seminars, and dinners, they sometimes meet someone they really like.

Recently, Dateable has gotten a lot of exposure through the media. They gained thirty new members as a result of an article written by People Magazine, which appeared in a November issue.

Many Dateable events are held near a metro, since many members don't drive. The 2001 Valentine's Day Party was held in Crystal City, VA. Members can look forward to a Relationship Panel set to be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2001. Dateable Washington will be meeting at the restaurant, Dave and Busters for dinner at the White Flint Mall in Chevy Chase on Saturday, May 12, 2001.

You can become a member of Dateable International by filling out the application form online. A year's membership costs $125.00. Payment plans are available. The organization says they charge less than traditional dating agencies, because it is a "small non-profit organization."

Dateable recently "created" Making Connections in an expanded effort to enhance the lives of those with developmental disabilities. Making Connections offers workshops and seminars that help members choose a career and manage finances. Members of Making Connections come from Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. With a total membership of 250, Making Connections is dedicated to helping members enhance their social lives by introducing them to others. Laura Abdelaciz is the director of Making Connections.

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages

4.   Apr 2, 2001 5:19 AM
In response to message posted by Renie_Burghardt:

Renie,

Thanks for stopping by and posting on my article. As I ...


-- posted by shannon415


3.   Apr 2, 2001 5:16 AM
In response to message posted by Red:

Hi Mary,

Thanks so much for stopping by, and for posting on my article. I ...


-- posted by shannon415


2.   Apr 2, 2001 4:43 AM
Hi Shannon, what an interesting article. Like Mary says, it's good to know there is a service like Dateables, for people with disabilities.

I hope you are doing great, Shannon, and that you have ...


-- posted by Renie_Burghardt


1.   Apr 1, 2001 3:54 PM
Shannon,

Terrific article. It is nice to know that there is an organization such as this for people to use.

It must be difficult for people with disabilities to cope with the rigors of dating. ...


-- posted by Red





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