For parents, carers and support workers

Many people start using a new app with help from someone they trust. If you’re a parent, family member, carer or support worker, this page explains how Ability Amore works and how you can help someone use it safely.

You’re far from alone in this role. The Australian Bureau of Statistics counted 3 million unpaid carers in Australia in 2022, and 5.5 million Australians with disability.

What Ability Amore is

Ability Amore is a dating and friendship app for adults with disability. Members can look for a partner, a friend or both. The app is for people aged 18 and over only.

It’s free to join. A premium option adds extras such as profile boosts.

Features that make the app easier to use

Large fonts and text magnification
Voice-to-text for typing messages
Built-in screen reader support
Sensory-friendly design
Video profile introductions, so members can see and hear each other
Messages, voice calls and video calls inside the app

How we keep members safe

Adults only. No one under 18 is allowed. We may ask for proof of age if an account looks suspicious.
Verified profiles. Profile and ID verification makes fake accounts much harder to create.
Human moderation. Our moderation team reviews every report and acts on it.
Private contact. Members don’t need to share a phone number or address to get to know someone.
Clear rules. Harassment, threats and offensive content are not allowed. Anything that could harm a child leads to a permanent ban and a report to police.

How you can help

Every member is an adult who makes their own choices. Your support works best when it helps the person decide for themselves. Some ideas:

Set up the profile together. Help choose clear photos and write a few lines about their interests. Let them decide what to share about their disability.
Talk about what they’re looking for. Friendship, dating, or seeing who’s out there are all good reasons to join.
Practise a video call. A call with you first can make the first real call less stressful.
Agree on a few rules. For example: no sending money, no sharing the home address, and a video call before any meeting.
Plan first meetings together. Pick a busy public place, sort out transport, and agree on a time to check in.
Check in without taking over. Ask how things are going. Try not to read their messages unless they ask you to.

If we have serious concerns that a member can’t make informed choices about using the app, we may suspend their account.

Warning signs to watch for

Scamwatch, run by the Australian Government, lists these signs of a relationship scam:

the relationship moves very fast and they say they have strong feelings early on
they want to move the chat to another app
there’s always a reason they can’t video chat or meet
they ask for money, often for an emergency, or push an investment
they want the relationship kept secret
they ask for personal photos or information that could be used against the person

If you think someone is being scammed

People caught in a scam often feel ashamed and may not want to talk about it. Scamwatch suggests staying patient and avoiding blame. Then:

Contact their bank straight away if money has been sent.
Report the account in the Ability Amore app.
Report the scam to Scamwatch.

Questions?

Email us at info@abilityamore.com.au. We’re happy to talk with families, carers and support workers.

Photo: Raj Tuladhar on Unsplash

Ready to meet people who get you?

Download Ability Amore for free on iPhone or Android.