Date ideas for a partner living with disability
This article will list ten ideas for romantic, casual and active outings, which offer much more than generic ‘go for a walk’ or ‘stare out at the ocean’ options in regular dating lists.
Key points:
- As World Pride Month approaches, it’s important to remember that preferences are unique and so are disabilities, one date might be accessible, whereas another might not
- Hidden disabilities are worth discussing ahead of time — a concert or film might trigger epilepsy or a wine tasting may not be ideal for a partner with Parkinson’s disease
- Just because someone can do something, it doesn’t mean they want to do something — accessibility doesn’t mean inevitability
This edition of Disability Support Guide will cover some fun dating ideas for a person living with a disability or their partner with disability. Of course, some of the ideas presented in this article will depend on whether someone is capable or willing to take part in a given task, but ‘disability’ is far from a one-size-fits-all label, so before you go surprising your loved one or a potential paramore, make sure that they’re as excited about the plan as you are.
Hit up a bar
Finding an accessible bar, if you’re both comfortable consuming alcohol in a social setting. It can be an opportunity to have a tasting board of different beers, bond over shots, play using the pool table, dart board or take turns changing the song on the music system. As they say, in vino veritas!
Go to see a cult film
Plenty of cinemas across the country screen nostalgic films, cult classics and fan favourites — films such as The Room, The Rocky Horror Picture show and The Big Lebowski are known for their frequent re-screening in movie theatres. Audiences either dress up as characters, quote lines, throw rice, toast or make noises when certain scenes take place. Finding out the rituals from other devoted fans and taking part in the traditions can be a great way to bond and feel included. Make it a cinema-going experience they never forget!
Turn your home into a five-star restaurant
If you or your partner prefers a quiet night indoors, operating on their own terms rather than trying to navigate nightlife or stressful dating situations — go the extra mile at home, lighting up some candles, dressing up and having the cutlery all laid out. You can shop beforehand, get some different ingredients and print up little menus, as an added gimmick.
Adaptive sports
If you or your partner live with a mobility condition, sports such as wheelchair basketball or seated yoga can be a great way to compete at the same task and put yourselves to the test!
Invent new foods at a fast food restaurant
Ordering fast food through a touch screen can be an interesting way to spice up an ordinary trip to a fast food restaurant. Use the screens to come up with the most ridiculous orders possible and title your creations. It sounds simple, but you can absolutely have an added tonne of fun coming up with absurd additions to the culinary experience.
Check out a live show
Comedians, musicians, cover bands and local acts — check to see whether venues are accessible, if tickets are available and if your important person is keen to check out a live show for a few hours. If you’re not into crowds, loud sounds and the stressful stadium scenery, consider kicking back at home, flicking the subtitles on and turning to volume up on a stand-up special at home.
Axe-throwing
Cut through the boredom with something exhilarating in a safe environment, as many facilities spring up to enable amateur vikings to give it a try, such as Maniax. These facilities tend to have waivers and guidelines for the necessary age to throw and accessibility requirements, so it’s important to ask while booking ahead of time. Still, which one of you thinks they can hit the bullseye with a swift toss?
Games
If you or your partner take pleasure in the simple things in life, a board game, video game or card game can be a simple way to pass the time. Find out if they have a history with different video games or if they’re familiar with role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, where you can create a whole new world through the power of imagination. If they have a certain console, pick up something popular that you can play together or challenge them to something you remember from the retro era. There are plenty of great new remasters coming out of classics you may remember!
Escape rooms
Escape rooms are becoming increasingly popular for couples to use as date material, relying on their wit, intuition and cognitive skills to piece together how to get out of each situation using clues hidden throughout a single room. For some people with disability, the prospect of feeling trapped in a room might feel uncomfortable or distressing, so it’s worthwhile informing staff ahead of time and reminding the person that it’s all optional for them. For others, however, it can be a great way to highlight their brilliance and impress their partner with sharp detective skills.
Pizza-making
Getting creative in the kitchen can be fun and collaborative with the right ingredients. Get a shopping list of common ingredients and find out what they like, then pick up some bases (or make your own), some sauce and invite them over. Put your chef skills to the test together, let it sit in the oven and consider using any spare bases for a delicious garlic bread… Better yet, some sweet treats and a delicious spread could make for some delightful dessert pizzas.
Related content:
A guide to dating for people living with disability