Love, Dating, Relationships and Disability

A woman hugging a man in a wheelchair

We’re exploring love in many forms with first-hand accounts from the frontlines of dating, marriage, intimacy and friendship, all with people living—and loving—with disabilities.

Does it seem more difficult to find love if you have a disability? Many of our interviewees said that, at first, yes. (Of course, when is it ever easy, right?) But they all agreed that once people talk and get past questions or concerns, love is love—sometimes it’s messy but mostly it’s marvelous. And these stories show it. 

LGBTQ+ Identities & Disability: Beyond Representation

Jump ahead to stories about:

Dating and disability
Our favorite proposals
Love and marriage
Friendship
Siblings
Sex, intimacy, and more on our blog 

Dating and Disability

Dating and disability 

Listen In! Check out our new podcast! Season 1: Love and Relationships

Ali and JaunLove is Blind: A Series on Long-Distance Relationships during COVID-19
Alicia shares her story about love, accessibility, and long-distance relationships during the pandemic as a blind woman.

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4

 

 

Erin Hawley outside on sunny day reading - small promoThe Dos and Don'ts of Digitally Finding Love
Erin Hawley has tried online dating with websites for people with disabilities, general online dating websites as well as social media. She's sharing all she's learned with you. Online Dating 101 with a Disability

 

 

Vilissa Thompson sitting outsideTake Me As I Am: Dating and Disability Etiquette
Social worker and disability rights consultant Vilissa Thompson shares her experience dating as a women with a disability and offers tips for potential suiters unfamiliar with disability.

Check out Vilissa's etiquette tips

 

 

Anita and AbrahamSpouses With Autism Share Both Sides of Their Love Story
Anita and Abraham, a married couple who both have ASD, give a "He Said, She Said" take on their story.

Read more about how they really fell in love.

 

 

Two hands forming a heart in front of a sunsetHow to Make the First Date Great When Dating with a Disability
Amy Taklif, a medical social worker, offers first date etiquette and advice on how to stay true to yourself while looking for love.

Read Amy's words of wisdom.

 

 

Dr. Danielle Sheypuk in her wheelchairA Psychologist Who Uses Her Own Dating-with-a-Disability Advice
Dr. Sheypuk is a clinical psychologist who specializes in dating, relationships and sexuality among people with disabilities.

Get Dr. Sheypuk's tried and true dating advice.

 

 

 

Maurice Snell Love Page Dating and Relationships with Autism
Maurice Snell, who has ASD, shares his journey in love and relationships, including his best dating advice. 

Read Maurice's dating advice.

 

 

Updated Chad CunninghamGetting Past Fears of Dating with a Disability

Chad Cunningham shied away from the dating scene until his 20s. Find out what clicked to get him dating and, ultimately, finding love. Plus find out his big news!

 

 

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Marriage proposals

Our favorite proposals 

Beth and Mike wedding photoHere are a few romantic, unique, and even funny stories of marriage proposals, plus life after the wedding.

Unique marriage proposals


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Love and Marriage

Love and marriage 

Bridget on the left and George on the right at their homeWatch: From First Date to Wedding Day
Bridget and George share their story, from first date to wedding day, and learn more about the ways in which they support each other. Watch their video

 

 

Palmer Harston Williams outdoor weddingA Wedding, A Wheelchair and No Worries
Palmer Harston Williams shares her love story and her creative ideas for planning a wheelchair accessible wedding.

Get Palmer's wedding planning advice now.

 

 

Demers LandingMarriage after 50 Years
Two couples share the ups and downs of marriage after 50 years.

Read the O'Sullivans' and Demers' stories.

 

 

Wampler Wedding Day Photo Promo imageSeeing Beyond the Disability
Elizabeth Wampler stumbled into love with Steve, an adventurous sportsman with cerebral palsy (CP). He often navigates the world with a wheelchair or a mountain-climbing harness while Elizabeth takes on life with the kind of humor and honesty that may make you blush and befriend her all at once. Read Elizabeth and Steve’s love story.

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Military couples, military separations

Friendship

Friendship 

Rachelle Chapman sitting down on the ground next to her wheelchairMaking Friends is Hard to Do (Especially With a Disability) - Rachelle Chapman offers some candid experiences about friendship with a disability.

 

 

Friends Shayne and KristenBonding Over Disability and Then Some

Shayne and Kristen have been friends since they were 3 years old, connecting over school, movies and even their shared disability. Read their story of friendship and support.

 

 

Trockman and Nurse LandingA Nurse and Friend
Ben Trockman finds independence while being cared for by his nurse and friend. Read about Ben's relationship with his nurse.


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Siblings

Siblings 

sisters caregivingA Sister's Love
Mary Sykes gives a first-hand account on caring for her sister who has Down syndrome. Read their story of love and sisterhood.

 

 

Zach Waisanen and His Sister promo imageBrothers and Sisters
First-hand quotes from brothers with sisters who are living with disabilities such as Down syndrome. Read these touching quotes on siblings who have disabilities.


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Sex, intimacy, and more on the blog
 

Sex, intimacy, and more on the blog 

Here are some of our favorite blog posts on intimacy and disability.

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