Though online dating is very much like dating in the real world, there are a few significant differences. Here are a few common sense tips to make the process easier -

Be honest -You want others to know YOU. So, be truthful in exchanging information. Being honest about your disability in your profile itself takes care of having to deal with the issue later on - anyone connecting with you already knows about it!

Post a photograph - Most people would like to see the person behind the profile. Dating websites report that profiles with photographs get accessed almost 8 times more than others.

Choose an interesting user name - The user name reflects who you are and lets you stand out from the many others who are also accessing the site.

Put yourself out there! - We rely on personal contact when making up our minds about people. But this is absent in online dating. You have to rely on photographs, testimonials and messages to form an opinion about the other person.

By using message boards, chat rooms and other resources provided by the website, you can increase your visibility and let other people know you exist. Thus the more involved you get, the higher your chances of success.

Do not give up - There are many possible choices in online dating. But every one of them is unlikely to reply to you. Do not let this discourage you from your search because it is not personal. So keep connecting..

Take your time - Online dating can make relationships move very fast. But taking time to get to know the other person before actually meeting is vital. Not only will you then feel more comfortable when you meet but you can also guard against falling victim to a scammer or criminal.

Be real - Nobody is perfect! Whilst we all have expectations about what we want in potential partners, keeping to them stringently may actually work the other way and ensure that we do not find a match at all!

Be prepared - When communicating online, talk about your disability too. Then when you do meet you will both be sensitive about handling issues arising from your impairment.

Date safe - Initially be sure to meet in a public place and at a time when there are other people around. You may have known each other online for months but you do not actually know the other person yet. Do let someone know where you are going, with whom and if possible leave your contact details. After all, not everyone online is totally harmless.

And lastly, Be Yourself! Remember, you are a person first and your disability is just one part of who you are. So, relax, flirt, have a good time and do not allow your disability to get in the way!