245 - Plan First, Date Better

245 - Plan First, Date Better

From Dating, Relationships, and Disability by Kathy O'Connell

June 2, 2026 · 30 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of strategic planning in dating for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the Five Stage Dating Success Framework.

Resources for this episode How to Write a Kick Butt Dating Profile Guide Tell me what you want in a dating playbook. The Five Stage Dating Success Framework is designed to guide people with disabilities through the process of finding meaningful relationships. Stage 1 covers foundation work and self-discovery. Stage 2 builds confidence and resilience, including the ability to handle rejection. Stage 4 is active dating, and Stage 5 focuses on navigating relationships. But Stage 3 — the strategic planning phase — is the essential bridge between inner work and real-world action. The core idea is simple: if you plan ahead, you can be more present. When logistics are handled before the date, your energy is freed up to actually connect with someone rather than worrying about accessibility, communication, or safety in the moment. Platform Research and Accessibility Evaluation The first step is deciding how you're going to date — online, in person, or a combination — and then researching your options thoroughly. If you're using dating apps, assess how accessible and easy to use they are. Look beyond functionality too: does the community culture reflect inclusion and a welcome of…

People in this episode

Host: Kathy O'Connell

Topics covered

  • dating
  • disability
  • relationships
  • self-discovery
  • confidence
  • accessibility

Keywords

  • dating profile
  • dating playbook
  • self-discovery
  • confidence
  • accessibility
  • disclosure strategy
  • dating apps

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