Tools You Can Use series: BPWD Connect & The Access Pass
This week’s installment of the Tools You Can Use series will spotlight BPWD Connect, a new dating website for Black singles with disabilities, and the Access Pass, a free, lifetime pass that can be used when visiting our national parks and recreation sites.
Black People With Disabilities Connect (BPWD Connect for short)
We are all familiar with well-known dating websites such as Match.com, eHarmony, and Black People Meet, but what about dating sites for people with disabilities? More specifically, how do minorities with disabilities connect with others like themselves? Black People With Disabilities Connect (better known as BPWD Connect) is a new dating website that aims to fill in the gap that exists in the online dating realm. BPWD Connect seeks to provide a space where Black singles with or without disabilities can connect with those who are seeking friendship, companionship, or love. BPWD Connect was created in March 2013, & officially launched in August 2013. Though the targeted audience of the entity are those of African American descent with or without disabilities, persons of all races and abilities are encouraged to join to meet new friends and possible love interests.
I’m wearing the BPWD Connect shirt that a dear friend sent me.
I have been following BPWD Connect since the summer, and I can tell that it is gaining momentum with each new Facebook “like” on its Facebook page, and new members joining the website each week. It is free to join the site, and when you’re a member, you can create public or private chatrooms; have 1 on 1 video chats with a new friend; and send flirty or private messages to that special person who peaked your interest.
If your goal is to find love during the Fall season, sign up for BPWD Connect, and open yourself to new like-minded people. You never know what potential love possibilities you may find… :)
The Access Pass
If you are a person with a permanent disability who loves the outdoors, then the Access Pass may be the right fit for you. The Access Pass is a free, lifetime entry pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents of any age who have a permanent disability to visit more than 2,000 federal park and recreation sites.
For you or someone you know to qualify for the pass, the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities. If you decide to apply for the Access Pass by mail, you must send the completed application form, provide proof of residency and documentation of permanent disability, and enclose a payment of $10 to have your paperwork processed. When your application packet has been received by those at USGS, your information will be reviewed for verification. If you do indeed meet the requirements for the pass, you will receive a pass, with the pass owner’s name pre-printed on it. The documentation submitted to verify one’s permanent disability will also be returned to the applicant.
Many of the participating federal park and recreation sites offer the pass holder a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees, such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours. Having the opportunity to obtain this pass is a great effort to allow people with disabilities to enjoy the beautiful nature scenery of our federal parks and recreational sites. Even if you are not the “outdoorsy” type, this could still be a wonderful day trip for you and your loved ones to take during the summer and early fall months.
If there are any great resources like BPWD Connect or the Access Pass that should be featured in the “Tools You Can Use” series, please send them to me! You may contact me via email, Vilissa@rampyourvoice.com, or through the “Contact Vilissa” tab on the website. My goal is to showcase amazingly brilliant and useful resources for people of all abilities; let’s make that happen!