68 - Why Dating Memberships

Today is a big day at my company, Radiant Abilities, because we’re taking a deeper dive into our mission of helping “move the needle” on people with disabilities being seen as dating and relationship partners. As I have mentioned previously on past shows, we spent most of last year researching what people with disabilities were experiencing when it came to dating. Here are some highlights we learned:72% of the people with disabilities interviewed rank dating and relationships as either Very Important or Important in their life.Most reported the following challenges they encounter when dating: not finding online dating successful, not meeting the right type of person, being unsure how to effectively communicate about their disability, and lacking confidence in the dating scene.64% of the people with disabilities interviewed reported a desire for ongoing training and support to learn skills in communication, healthy boundaries, increase confidence, and coping with ableism.We wanted to create a space in which people trying to date and develop healthy relationships, to work on skills such as confidence and communication in a supportive learning community. While we are certainly known for helping people with disabilities, our new membership, Dating Made Easier, is open to all people, with and without disabilities. This is because inclusion is one of our core values and two, so many times over the years, people have said to me how work really applies to all people.Now on the professional side, we are also opening Supporting Dating and Relationships membership. Last year we interviewed over 100 professionals in disability services.Here are some of the key findings from talking with them:87% of professionals interviewed rank dating and relationships with PWDs as important all the time or important when it comes up.  93% who are concerned about social issues rank it either important all the time or important when it comes up. A third of professionals identified dating as one of biggest challenges These same professionals tend to go to “Expert Resources” in dating and relationships while online and find them helpful 100% of the time.Aside from the above statistic, professionals report that resources for dating and relationships are not working 75% of the time.I realize, though, that many professionals have a strong desire to do this but don’t feel they have enough training and adequate resources to do so, especially when it comes to helping someone with dating skills.We are hosting free informational workshops this week and next. Links to sign up for the Three Essentials to Make Dating Easier workshop:Check out our Dating Memberships:Dating Made Easier (for all people wanting to date) - is a monthly membership for anyone (with or without disabilities) who wants support and guidance in dating skills and getting the RESULTS you want in dating and relationships. Click here to learn more. Supporting Dating and Relationships membership (for special educators and professionals in disability services) - is for professionals in the disability field who are looking for training and resources to effectively help students/people with disabilities in developing dating and relationship skills. Click here to learn more. Music by Successful Motivation | Artwork photo by Elevate