Finding love is hard enough, but for some, the obstacles go far beyond the awkward initial date.
CBS News Hannah Kliger of New York learns more about new efforts to reshape inclusion in the marriage world.
Therapist and social worker Eli Portal was paralyzed from the chest after the 6-year-old ATV accident.
Despite the tragedy, this experience gave him a mission in life. He created a name called IMO is Help others to cope with life challenges.
"I've been looking for someone I feel like I can connect with, or, you know what I'm going through. Ultimately, I feel like there's something out there."
Now, he works with Rivkah Fox, a third-generation Jewish matchmaker and dating coach. Fox formed a docking organization called Blingfate and is known for its romping, social media approach online, including dating games that allow her followers to help find candidates’ matches. She has couples connecting dozens of ending knots.
"The first game we did was in the girl who was dating which guy was, and eventually got married and everyone was blown away because they were just a part of it," she said. "The Jewish docking needs to have a facial elevation. It can't stay the same way as it always is."
As part of their combined efforts, Portal and Fox are preparing for the upcoming event on Sunday to connect with physically disabled people who want to find love and build a family.
“When dating, it’s a barrier that I have to solve,” Portal said in his own experience. "Thank God, I met my beautiful wife, but it was a difficult process. I said, it wasn't that difficult for everyone."
Chaim Lebowitz, 29, said he has worked with traditional matchmakers but found that the approach was not suitable for him. That's why he hopes to see someone at an event in Brooklyn.
“Sometimes, when you go through a physical deformity or a condition date, whatever you want to call it, it’s “deformity, deformity.” No, are they going to share the same goal?” he said the experience he faced.
Avrumi Lunger, who used a wheelchair, met his wife Chani, who had a spinal deformity through mutual friends. The married duo says people with similar experiences develop a sense of understanding and compassion.
"It's really just about the network and seeing more people in similar situations. You're not alone, you're not the only one, and it does give you the chance to meet the right person, or meet someone who knows someone for you," Avlumi said.
"This is the beginning of a movement, we will do things differently and hope to influence and influence change," Portal said.
He hopes that new approaches will allow the game to look at the past and connect at a deeper level.
Portal is also a certified matchmaker and hopes Sunday’s event will be the first in their community’s new dating job, with everyone on the table.
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