This disability dating app is changing the game ahead of Valentine’s Day

Key points:

• Melba Support Services has partnered with Spoony, a dating app, to help improve social connections for people with disability
• While Chief Executive Officer of Melba Support Services Haley Dean acknowledges the dating function of Spoony, the app can also create ‘pathways to friendship, understanding and belonging’
• Unlike other apps, Spoony was created by people with disability and includes unique features, such as ‘spoons’ to improve understanding between users

A recent partnership between a disability services provider and a disability-friendly app could help more people with disability to connect with others, just in time for Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2025.

Melba Support Services has partnered with Spoony, an app for people with disability, to combat social isolation affecting Australians with disability. 

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found one in five Australians with disability felt socially isolated, compared to approximately one in ten people without disability.

Spoony was ‘designed by folks with lived experience and in collaboration with accessibility experts’ to allow people with disability, neurodivergence and chronic illness to find connection with others.

Ryan Woods, a Melbourne man with disability, explained how a digital app such as Spoony has the potential to change lives.  

“People with disability have the same needs as everyone else and we are human and we all are equal,” Mr Woods said.

“I am ready to start forming connections with people. I have cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability which affects my communication and mobility. 

“[…] I’d like a digital way to connect with like-minded people for friendships and maybe more.”

Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Spoony Nicholas Carlton also expressed the importance of providing digital spaces for people to interact with others who can understand them.

“Neurodivergent, chronically ill and people with disability experience a disproportionately high degree of social isolation that has a very real impact on their health and well-being,” Mr Carlton said. 

“We’re creating a safe space where people can be their authentic selves without fear.”

Zara Beth, another user of Spoony, highlighted why she wanted to connect with others and how she found her community by using the app. 

Zara shares her story

Chief Executive Officer of Melba Support Services Hayley Dean praised the recently announced partnership with Spoony for people with disability.

“The disability community has been clear — ‘we want modern, accessible ways to connect with others who understand our experiences,’” Ms Dean said.

“I’m excited to be working alongside people with disability in supporting this fabulous initiative. We’re answering that call in a way that not only upholds people’s human right to intimacy but also prioritises safety, dignity and genuine connection.

“This initiative came directly from listening to our community. Almost everyone we spoke to wanted digital solutions for connecting [sic] with others. This isn’t just about dating — it’s about creating pathways to friendship, understanding and belonging.”

If you’re aged 18 years or older, you can download the Spoony app from the App Store or Google Play. Spoony has been downloaded more than 5,000 times on Google Play since the app’s launch in September 2024.

Other dating apps, such as Bumble and Tinder have been downloaded more than 50 million and 100 million times, respectively.

However, unlike other dating apps, Spoony has a unique feature that allows users to indicate how many ‘spoons’ they have that day.

The ‘spoon theory’ was developed by people with disability and chronic illnesses to describe how their capacity to complete tasks can vary from day to day. 

For example, a person with chronic illness may start the day with 10 ‘spoons’ but may be in more pain than usual. This means that an activity such as brushing their teeth — usually one ‘spoon’ —  may require more effort and use two ‘spoons.’ This may leave them with fewer ‘spoons,’ meaning they need to rest sooner due to exhaustion.

While apps like Spoony can make it easier for people with disability to connect, other options are also available. For example, many online groups for people with disability accept new members on Facebook and these can provide support and connection for people with disability.

However, as anyone can join these apps or online groups, it’s important not to share private information you wouldn’t share with others in person.

Additionally, if you’re a carer of a person with disability who wants to start connecting with others, ensure they understand the rules around consent.

Expressing yourself also means knowing how, why and when you don’t feel up to doing something, whether it’s telling someone you love them or sharing intimate secrets. Read more about consent in this Disability Support Guide article: How do I teach someone with disability about consent?

Although many people will spend money on their romantic partners to celebrate their love for each other on Valentine’s Day, some people may choose not to celebrate for a number of reasons. Learn more about different ways to spend Valentine’s Day in this Inclusive Valentine’s Day Celebration Guide.

Would you be interested in connecting with others using disability-friendly apps?

Let the team at Disability Support Guide know on social media.

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