Marriage and Dating for People with Disabilities: Methods for Meeting and 6 Recommended Dating Apps

It's completely natural for both people with disabilities and those without to feel the desire to "fall in love and get married!"

However, many people might find it difficult to be optimistic about love and marriage due to their disabilities.

This article introduces recommended dating apps and discusses the challenges and realities of love and marriage for people with disabilities.

1. Ways for People with Disabilities to Meet Others

Generally, the ways people with disabilities meet others aren't much different from those without disabilities.

The main methods of meeting someone for a romantic relationship include the following five:

• Workplace
• Events
• Introductions from acquaintances
• Marriage agencies
• Dating apps
• SNS

Experiences of people with disabilities using marriage agencies and dating apps are shared on the YouTube channel of the modern-day Mononoke Princess, Maco.

Meeting someone at work often leads to romance because you have many opportunities to interact and get to know the person's character.

Additionally, events related to hobbies or marriage are great places to meet people face-to-face.

Recently, online platforms like dating apps and SNS have become popular ways to meet people.

However, be cautious with SNS encounters.

SNS allows anyone to easily create an account and communicate, increasing the chance of meeting dangerous individuals.

If you're seeking online connections, we recommend using dating apps that require ID verification and have monitoring features.

But even with safe dating apps, it can be challenging to choose the right one.

Next, we'll introduce recommended apps for people with disabilities.

2. Six Recommended Dating Apps for People with Disabilities

When choosing a dating app, people with disabilities should consider these three points:

• A large number of members
• Finding people who understand disabilities
• Strong security features

First, the app should have a large membership base.

From there, you can efficiently find people who understand disabilities by narrowing down your search.

For safety, choose services with robust security features like identity verification and 24/7 monitoring.

2-1. Pairs

Pairs, the app with the largest membership, boasts over 20 million registered users.

While Pairs isn't exclusively for people with disabilities, its large membership base makes it easier to meet someone.

Additionally, it has a "Community Feature" that allows users to showcase shared values and hobbies.

Within these communities, there are topics related to disabilities, making it possible to meet understanding individuals.

In fact, the author, who suffers from depression, met their partner through Pairs.

After developing depression, I couldn't find a partner and started using Pairs.

Although I couldn't find a suitable partner and lost contact after revealing my depression, I eventually met a man.

After several dates, when he asked me to be his partner, I revealed my depression.

Despite my anxiety about his reaction, he didn't mind, and we started dating.

Unfortunately, due to differences in values, the relationship ended, but there was a chance to meet someone on Pairs despite my depression. More details are shared in the note below.

Reference: The Story of Finding a Boyfriend on a Dating App｜Shimako, a Depressed Web Writer

Reference: Pairs - Dating and Marriage Matching App｜Eureka, Inc.

2-2. with

with is a dating app with over 10 million members.

Its unique features include personality analysis through psychological tests and "Preference Cards" to find people with similar interests—features not found in other dating apps.

With its large membership and unique features, you can meet people who share your values.

Reference: with - Find Love and Marriage through Shared Values｜with, Inc.

2-3. tapple

tapple is a dating app with over 20 million members.

It offers various features, such as finding compatible partners based on activities or places you want to visit and displaying a wide range of date plans on your profile.

Additionally, you can have online dates using the video feature before meeting in person, making it easy to use.

Every month, 10,000 couples are formed on tapple.

Reference: tapple - Dating and Marriage Matching App｜tapple, Inc.

2-4. Meguriba!

Meguriba! is a dating site exclusively for people with disabilities.

Unlike general dating apps, it allows users to openly disclose their disabilities while searching for a partner.

You can narrow down potential partners by region, age, and specific disability characteristics.

However, due to the unknown number of members and the limitation to people with disabilities, the matching rate is expected to be low.

Reference: Meguriba! - A Dating and Marriage Matching Site for People with Disabilities｜HPC Holdings, Inc.

2-5. IRODORI

IRODORI is a dating and friendship app for people with disabilities and those who understand them.

It allows multiple users, both male and female, to chat and call each other, making it easy to find friends regardless of gender.

Users often express a sense of security because only people with disabilities can use the app.

The thorough registration screening process also minimizes users with insincere intentions.

Many users have successfully met others, making it a recommended app for those seriously seeking connections.

Reference: IRODORI - A Friendship, Dating, and Marriage App for People with Disabilities｜Comet

2-6. Koigusa

Koigusa is known as a marriage service where people with disabilities take center stage.

Many members have various conditions, and they engage in activities while learning and understanding each other.

Starting for free, many users operate under the belief that having conditions or concerns is normal, openly sharing their disabilities, creating many relatable and reassuring moments.

Koigusa has a YouTube channel, "Koigusa Marriage Ch.," featuring staff who share tips on making the most of Koigusa.

Additionally, the service is highly inclusive, with LGBTQ users also participating.

Users often report feeling comfortable using the service without feeling negative.

Furthermore, the ability to use the service without feeling self-conscious about being disabled is highly praised.

Reference: Koigusa｜oleilo, Inc.

2-7. Zwei

Zwei is known as a well-recognized marriage agency.

One of Zwei's features is that by making a reservation to visit, you can view profiles, including photos, of potential partners.

This allows you to get more detailed information about potential partners, which is convenient.

As of the end of July 2024, Zwei and IBJ's marriage agencies together boast over 100,000 members, making it easier to find your ideal partner among many candidates.

With 54 branches, one of the largest in the industry, there is a high possibility that people with disabilities have a nearby branch, which is a plus.

While you must undergo a membership screening to use Zwei, having a disability does not prevent you from joining.

As a hybrid service combining data matching and concierge introductions, it is reassuring for those with little dating experience.

Reference: Zwei - One of the Largest Marriage Agencies｜ZWEI Corporation

3. Are There Dating and Marriage Events for People with Disabilities?

Internet research shows that while there are few dating and marriage events for people with disabilities, they do exist.

The event brand "Exeo," which hosts marriage parties, matchmaking parties, and street parties, regularly holds marriage parties under the category "People with Disabilities & Understanding Individuals."

These events are mainly held in Tokyo and Osaka, making them recommended for people with disabilities living in metropolitan areas or major cities.

However, as mentioned in the dating app introduction, people with disabilities can participate in regular marriage events just like those without disabilities.

Even when participating in events, it's recommended not to be confined by the label of disability when pursuing love and marriage.

Reference: Exeo｜TMS Event Portal

Additionally, the site "Kokuchizu Pro" has a special page featuring disability marriage events with event information.

Consider checking it regularly to aid in your marriage pursuits.

Reference: Disability Marriage Event Feature｜Kokuchizu Pro

For insights into finding partners through dating apps, participating in online marriage parties, and the overall pros and cons of online marriage, the article on the site "naco-do BLOG" is helpful.

Reference: The Pros and Cons of Online Marriage: It's Okay Even If You're Busy or Shy!｜naco-do BLOG

4. Are There Support Systems or Organizations for Marriage for People with Disabilities?

There are companies, such as marriage agencies, that support marriage for people with disabilities.

For example, the specialized marriage agency "Challenged Marriage" recruits franchisees to support marriage for people with disabilities.

Reference: General Incorporated Association Challenged Marriage

Additionally, the company "Mirai Design" features staff with welfare qualifications, mental health social workers, and service management responsibilities to support marriage for people with disabilities.

Mirai Design regularly hosts online marriage parties for people with disabilities and understanding individuals, allowing you to pursue marriage from home.

Reference: Specialized Marriage Agency for People with Disabilities "Mirai Design"

The "NPO Bridal Supporter" operates under the slogan "A Marriage Agency That Doesn't Turn People Away" and has been running since 2013.

As of July 2022, it is known as a marriage agency affiliated with the Japan Marriage Agency Federation (IBJ), boasting over 80,000 registered members nationwide.

Additionally, it is certified by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and is set at a lower price compared to other marriage agencies, making it an accessible service.

Reference: Marriage Consultation NPO Bridal Supporter

"Global Marriage Enmusubi" offers optimal marriage plans for people with disabilities.

With a group company operating a support center for employment transition for people with disabilities, marriage support by qualified welfare professionals is also possible.

They provide support from employment to marriage, making it a reliable service for life support.

Reference: Global Marriage Enmusubi｜Global One Corporation

As you can see, there are numerous specialized companies and organizations that provide comprehensive support for marriage for people with disabilities.

Of course, people with disabilities can pursue marriage through regular marriage agencies, but with specialized support from these companies and organizations, you can register with ease, knowing you can express your concerns and true feelings.

5. Concerns About Dating, Marriage, and Meeting People for People with Disabilities

What are the reasons why people with disabilities might not feel optimistic about dating?

Here, we explain the concerns people with disabilities have about dating.

5-1. Inability to Be Proactive in Dating Due to Disability

One reason people with disabilities might not be proactive in dating is feeling self-conscious about their disability.

Even if they develop feelings for someone, they might think, "I can't date because of my disability," and give up without making a move.

According to a survey by the lifestyle media for people with disabilities, "Media116," the following responses were most common:

Question: 'Do you have any concerns about dating?'
1st: Had experiences where things didn't go well due to disability 31.1%
2nd: Don't know how to approach someone they like 30.2%
3rd: Can't be proactive in dating due to concerns about their body (appearance, smell, etc.) 25.1%

Source: Welcome to the World of Love and Sexuality for People with Physical Disabilities. Introducing the Honest Survey of 354 People｜Lifestyle Media for People with Disabilities "Media116"

Specific experiences where disability was a barrier included:

"Having to worry about whether a restaurant is wheelchair accessible for a date"
"Hesitating to date because they worry they might be a burden to their partner"

These examples illustrate that many people with disabilities feel unable to be proactive in dating due to their disabilities.

However, with the advancement of barrier-free environments, there are many spots where wheelchair users can enjoy dates, so please refer to the article below.

Reference:

5-2. Limited Opportunities to Go Out and Meet People

People with disabilities face higher barriers to going out compared to those without, resulting in fewer opportunities to meet potential romantic partners.

Particularly for those with physical disabilities or using ventilators, long outings or trips can be challenging.

With limited mobility, opportunities to meet potential partners and engage in romantic relationships decrease.

However, the lack of opportunities to meet people is a common issue for everyone, not just those with disabilities.

If you only commute between work and home daily and spend your days off at home without hobbies, you won't meet anyone, even if you're not disabled.

In other words, regardless of whether you're disabled or not, you need to actively seek opportunities to meet people to find love.

Today, there are various tools and events, such as dating apps and marriage events, that lead to meeting people.

In the latter part of this article, we introduce recommended dating apps and marriage events, so please read to the end.

5-3. Being Overwhelmed by Daily Life (Financial Issues)

Love and marriage involve caring for your partner.

Therefore, many people with disabilities might feel overwhelmed by daily life and unable to imagine caring for and making their partner happy.

Additionally, financial issues arise when