Disability dating websites: Differently-abled couples finding love online
According to a recent survey, more than one-third of Americans believe it's possible to find love online. And the types of dating websites available continue to multiply, including an increasing number of options for singles with health conditions.
Dmitriy Gershkovich lost the use of his legs in the car crash in Oct. 2008.
"The car spun around, hit a curb, slid across the median backwards, hit another curb, flew in the air about 16 feet and hit a telephone pole, which broke the car in half and landed on the roof," he recalled.
The crash left Gershkovich paralyzed from the waist down at just 20 years old. Though determined not to let his disability dictate his life, Gershkovich admits it has played a role when dating.
"I think I have more to offer than a wheelchair," he said, "like I think I'm a nice guy."
Recently, he turned to Soulful Encounters, a dating website for people with physical and mental disabilities.
"There's just less of a surprise when people find out you have a certain disability or a limitation, maybe," Gershkovich said.
Soufoul Encounters is one of numerous websites for singles with health problems like disabilities, diabetes or STDs that have launched in recent years.
"I've seen this in my business a lot," said dating coach Jess McCann. She says the popularity of these sites makes sense.
"If I find someone also in similar situation, they find that it instantly bonds them," she said.
With their health conditions out in the open, users don't have to worry about how and when to tell the other person.
"That can often lead to a discontinuation of the relationship," McCann said.
Brad Ogilvie says that happened to him.
"I said I have HIV and they said I don't want to date anyone with HIV," Ogilvie said. "It hurts. It hurts to get that."
But on Poz personals, a dating site for HIV positive singles, he's not concerned about that.
"I don't have to worry about the rejection and the fear and the stigma," Ogilvie said, who adds he also doesn't have to worry about infecting someone else. "I think one thing those of us who are positive can do is say we're going to do what we can to not spread this."
While Brad and Dmitriy are still single, both are hopeful they'll find love soon.
McCann emphasizes these dating websites aren't just for finding love, they also provide support, friendship and understanding.
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