Dateability, the Disabled Dating App, Expands to the U.K.
Dateability, a dating app designed for disabled and chronically ill individuals, has launched in the U.K. after significant growth within the US. Created by Colorado-based sisters Jacqueline and Alexa Child, the app first debuted in the U.S. in 2022, and aims to offer a more inclusive and transparent dating experience for those with disabilities or other long-term issues that may impact their chances at finding love.
nlike mainstream dating platforms, Dateability allows users to address their disabilities openly through its unique “Deets” feature. This option lets users include broad descriptors, such as “wheelchair user” or “immune-compromised,” in their profiles without delving into specific medical diagnoses. The app seeks to foster a safe and accepting environment where users can present their authentic selves without fear of rejection or ghosting—a common issue on mainstream apps.
The platform currently serves 25,000 users across North America, demonstrating strong organic growth despite financial challenges. The co-founders have relied on angel investors, grants, and “sweat equity” to fund the app, as venture capital has been hard to secure in a market critics often describe as oversaturated. However, Jacqueline argues that niche dating platforms like Dateability fill an underserved gap, especially for the 20% of the global population identifying as disabled.
The U.K. launch marks a significant milestone for the sisters, who hope to expand further into Europe and other English-speaking regions. By addressing the unique challenges disabled individuals face in online dating, Dateability aims to provide a reliable dating platform for a marginalized but vast community that is represented worldwide.