Source: Donavon G

What does the United Kingdom (UK) currently define as a disability?

Under the Equality Act 2010, a disability is defined as having a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. ‘Substantial’ is more than minor or trivial, eg it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task like getting dressed.

‘Long-term’ means 12 months or more, eg a breathing condition that develops as a result of a lung infection. A progressive condition is one that gets worse over time. People with progressive conditions can be classed as disabled. However, you automatically meet the disability definition under the Equality Act 2010 from the day you’re diagnosed with HIV infection, cancer or multiple sclerosis.

This post will focus on how disabled individuals can keep themselves safe dating now and post coronavirus. As can be seen from the governments definition of disability. It is a broad spectrum of people with different experiences.

The whole spectrum cannot be covered in-depth in this post. So, for the duration of this post I will be simplifying to the terms mental and physical disability without taking into consideration liver these are long-term or lifelong disabilities.

When you take into consideration the different experiences those with physical disabilities have in comparison to those with mental disabilities. you realise that the dating situation both groups face is vastly different. It may also be different if you have overlapping disabilities, so you may be wheelchair-bound with depression.

I care for a disabled person, have disabled friends, and also want to see these individuals and others succeed as well as they can in the future. I know that I am giving you advice I would give my family members and friends. Below are some tips on how to proceed dating whilst disabled post Covid-19. It can also be worthwhile to checkout a free disability dating site.

Access the Internet

For disabled individuals who are attempting to try and stay safe in a COVID-19 environment. It may be best to connect with new individuals using the Internet. Check out dating sites for people with disabilities.

Disclose your disability

Luckily, we live in an area where eugenics is not popular. But, for your own comfort it may always be best to disclose some of personal information before you meet the person. Therefore there are no surprises in real life and if the person isn’t respectful you can cease contact!

Meet in a public place

As a disabled person, especially if you disclose to the person that you are disabled. It’s always best to meet in a public place, even if you are an able bodied person! You may not be walking into the situation you were hoping to, and the other person may not always have your best interests at heart.

At the end of the day it’s your job to protect yourself, so proceed with caution.

Don’t send money

The Internet is a playing ground for scammers, especially dating apps. There is a certain percentage of people in the world who simply sit around waiting to prey on people in unfortunate situations. People are lonely, and those seeking a relationship often can find themselves as prey for nasty individuals.

Do not talk Visas

Some scammers are willing to play the long-term game, for example potentially faking interest to move to your country on a Visa. Do not entertain any of these conversations, you can find someone interested in you.

This is a sponsored post.