The Top 4 Dating Apps for People Living with Disability

Research shows that three in five people living with disability agree it’s hard to find a romantic partner. Not only do you have to contend with the usual nerves around meeting someone new; many people with disability also encounter stereotypes and misconceptions around their capacity to date and find love.

Why use dating apps for people living with disability?

Dating platforms are incredibly popular these days – but most lack that human-first touch for accessible and equal opportunity. Using dating apps created for individuals living with disability can make it easier to find understanding, belonging and kindred spirits.

With online scams and cybersecurity threats ever on the rise in today’s hyper-digital world, using platforms intended as accessible, safer environments also offers NDIS participants (and their loved ones) more peace of mind.

1. The Cliq Connection

If you’ve looked into dating apps for people living with disability, you’ve likely seen ‘the Cliq’ pop up – for good reason. Cliq is built with education, connection, and in-person social practice in mind. They have three services that reflect this:

1. Cliq Learning – building your base for online safety. This helps protect users from common risks like financial scams and harassment, while also developing confidence in the online community.
2. The Cliq App – where participants can connect and chat for dating and friendship.
3. Cliq Events – in collaboration with Date-Ability, Cliq regularly hosts fun and safe events across Australia to help participants meet new people and make new friends.

Safety

Cliq is a verified disability app – that means it’s exclusively available to NDIS participants with a current NDIS plan. This helps avoid issues with fake profiles and scammers, keeping the community safe.

Cost

Cliq itself is free of charge, but the learning resources and events have a cost. The app is available on Apple (iOS) and Google Play (Android) app stores.

2. Alvie

Alvie is a NDIS-registered provider. Like Cliq, Alvie aims to bridge the gap for those seeking genuine companionship. However, it’s more of a platform for meaningful friendships than dating – focusing on security and inclusivity to create a true community where people can connect and have fun.

Get personalised friend matches, play online games in the Alvie Arcade, and create or discover local events like social catch ups, workshops, recreational activities, even educational programs. Alvie is only web-based at this stage, accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop.

Safety

To use Alvie, all members need to complete an official Police Check to prove they’re who they say they are. This is a great safety measure for identity verification. Participants can also add up to five carers in their account settings for oversight and assistance. All members under 18 must have a linked carer account.

Cost

Alvie has a membership model priced at $500 per year. This can be cancelled anytime without additional fees. This membership fee is not covered by the NDIS.

3. Spoony

Spoony markets itself as a safe space for people with neurodivergence, chronic illness and disability to find friendship, date, or to find support from others in similar situations who “get it”. Spoony also holds real-world events from time to time, in wheelchair-accessible venues.

Spoony has light or dark modes so you can dial down the stimulation, screen reader capability, and is designed to be accessible with easy-read fonts, alt text and captions.

Safety

While not designed for NDIS participants like the Cliq or Alvie, Spoony has specified strict integrity, authenticity and content guidelines. 

You join by using your Facebook, Apple or Google account, and verify this with your phone number. This does help filter out spam accounts, though it’s not quite as secure as others that require hard proof of identity as verification.

Cost

Spoony is a free app, which you can download on the Apple or Google Play stores. 

4. Wable

Wable (“Willing” and “Able”) is an app designed to help neurodiverse adults find friends, dates and community. Wable has filters for “Date”, “Make Friends”, and also for “Connect” (to match with others and see what happens, without specific intent or expectations).

Wable’s focus is on inclusivity, safety, and helping people find love or friendship. There’s a chat wheel that can help you with conversation starters if you get stuck, and a wellness toolbox with handy resources about first dates, staying safe, and creating a good dating profile.

Safety

Wable has a “selfie” verification method, which requires users to do a liveness check (video selfie) as part of sign up. This makes sure a real human is making an account, which helps prevent spam or fake profiles. Wable encourages its users to report any rule breaking, inappropriate behaviour or fake profiles.

Cost

Wable is free to download and use, though there is a premium subscription for an “enhanced experience” which is $9.99 per month. You can download Wable through the Apple or Google app stores. This membership fee is not covered by the NDIS.

Are there other dating apps?

Absolutely. There’s a range of ‘mainstream’ apps (think Bumble, Tinder) and disability-specific apps which are free to download. However, if you’re looking to dip a toe into the world of online dating… starting with a well-known disability-specific app that prioritises safety, security and inclusivity can be a good idea. These platforms will typically offer a more regulated space than other options, where everyone can be themselves.

Keep in mind that new apps are popping up all the time, some vastly better than others. You can try checking reviews or online forums to see if people have feedback on how easy certain disability dating apps are to use; whether they are built to be accessible, the safety features, and even how many people are using the platform.

Can you use NDIS funding for dating apps?

The NDIS has specified that dating apps or relationship services (including virtual reality, apps, or match-makers) are not considered NDIS supports. This means you will not be able to use your NDIS funding to pay for these services.

While the NDIS won’t pay for your dates, or for membership to apps, there are some funded supports that can help your social and dating life flourish in support of your plan goals. For example:

• Improved Relationships can help you with social skills, communication and emotional regulation so you can form more meaningful connections when socialising.
• Increased Social and Community Participation can help develop your independence for things like taking part in social activities, attending events, using public transport to get where you need to go – which can make meeting up in a physical location easier if needed.

Remember – if you want to add funding and adjust the goals in your NDIS plan, you have the right to request a review at any time. You can get this process started by talking to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS Planner.

7 Tips for using online dating apps

If you haven’t used dating apps before or are a little nervous about how to present your best, true self – here’s some helpful advice.

1. Be authentic! You’re looking for genuine connection, so let your humour, interests and passions show.
2. Show your best side with photos. As the saying goes, a picture is worth 1000 words. Choose pictures that show you doing what makes you smile! 
3. Find common ground with people. If you’re not sure how to start a chat with someone, you can use their profile as a starting point – see if you can spot things you also enjoy, like shared interests that you feel confident starting a conversation about.
4. Be curious. Showing a genuine interest in their life and thoughts, and asking open-ended questions, can help keep things rolling smoothly.
5. Be thoughtful with sharing. Try to balance listening and sharing so you can build a relationship based on mutual understanding.
6. Try virtual first dates. This can be a great way to meet someone ‘face-to-face’, without having to worry about the logistics (cost, accessibility, energy). That way you can focus on being present and enjoying your date’s company – and you’ll have already built rapport if you decide to meet in person another time.
7. Be clear, and be kind. Communicating needs and preferences is important with potential partners. This involves speaking up for what you want and need, while respecting their needs.

Staying safe online

Whichever app you decide to use, here’s some tips for staying safe (both online and if you meet up in person).

• Be careful with sharing information. It’s easy to feel comfortable chatting to someone online, but remember to be cautious about sharing your personal information. This includes specific facts about your daily life (like your address or where you work), and security details that could be used to hack your accounts on other sites.
• Plan for safety on dates. If you’re meeting up in person, let a trusted person (like a friend or family member) know where you’re going, who you’re meeting, and create a plan for checking in during and after to make sure all is well.
• Trust your instincts! If you think something feels off, it’s completely fine to take a step back and reassess. It’s better to be overly cautious if you’re unsure, and put your own safety and comfort first. It can also be a good idea to keep a friend or family member in the loop, as they can offer input on situations you’re not sure about.

Related: 5 Cybersecurity Tips for NDIS Participants to Stay Safe Online

NDSP: Your Plan Management Specialists

Save your valuable free time and energy for more fun things – like finding someone special – and leave the effort of managing your NDIS plan to us. NDSP Plan Managers handles the financial aspects of your NDIS plan so you can focus on living your best life, including:

• Budget tracking (you can see this live at any time with our Nappa Portal)
• Helping set up service agreements with your support providers
• Making sure your providers are paid promptly
• Record keeping and financial administration
• Staying up to date on everything NDIS, to keep your plan compliant

To find the right fit in a partner, you can use dating apps. To find the right fit with a plan management provider, you can contact NDSP’s friendly team of experts! Why not get in touch today to find out how we can help your NDIS journey run smoother.