ALBANY, N.Y. — Dating presents unique hurdles for people with disabilities, according to organizers of a recent event in Upstate New York. Liz McCormick, a wheelchair user, and Lauren Ennis, who lives with an autoimmune disease affecting her vision and hearing loss, hosted EmpowHer Capital’s ‘Dating while Disabled’ gathering to swap stories and advice.

Ennis recounted past relationships where her conditions sparked tension, particularly with able-bodied partners. “As a disabled person, it does definitely come up,” she said. “I know in the past and my relationships, my disability has been a source of contention a little bit.”

McCormick called the experience exponentially tougher for disabled women. She shared how hiding her wheelchair use on dating profiles stemmed from shame. Those moments passed when she chose candor. “I noticed that the times where I removed my disability from my dating profiles were times where I was feeling shame,” McCormick said. “I think being direct and open about my disability removes that shame. It makes me feel proud of my disabled identity.”

The pair offered practical tips for handling apps and first dates. They stressed disclosing special needs early to set expectations. Support groups emerged as key resources for building confidence and connections.

McCormick advised those dating disabled people on simple gestures that resonate deeply. Ensuring venues have ramps, wide aisles or other accommodations shows care. “I think it is really an act of love to make sure that everything is accessible for someone,” she said. “I’m willing to do that work. I know how to scope out if a place is accessible. But to show that I care and want to take this burden off you — that’s romantic.”

EmpowHer Capital operates through the Disability EmpowHer Network. More details appear at disabilityempowhernetwork.org/empowher-capital.

The discussion highlights broader challenges in romance for the disabled community. Reporters Geoff Herbert and Kurt Hower, both living with disabilities, framed the conversation. Herbert, born with profound binaural hearing loss, works as a reporter, SEO lead and content supervisor at syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Despite being mostly deaf, he DJed for 25 years, including radio stints as ‘DeafGeoff’ and wedding gigs across Upstate New York. Inducted into the WJPZ Radio Hall of Fame, he relies on hearing aids, lipreading, speech therapy and tech like visual waveforms, captions and video calls.

Hower, with 35 years at Advance Local, manages ankylosing spondylitis, a spinal arthritis condition. A media leader and community volunteer, he chaired board development for the Central PA Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation and sat on its public policy committee. He pushes others to emphasize contributions over obstacles.

Events like this one aim to normalize disabled dating. McCormick and Ennis plan more sessions to support dialogue and dismantle barriers. Participants left with strategies for authentic connections, from profile honesty to venue scouting.

Upstate New York’s disability advocates see growing momentum. Support networks expand as awareness rises. Organizers hope their stories inspire bolder steps in love and self-acceptance.