A safer way for adults with disabilities to connect.
Special Connections is a closed, monitored social platform where every user is reviewed before joining — designed from the ground up with safety and dignity at the center.
A step-by-step process built around trust
Every person who joins goes through the same careful process before they ever interact with another user.
Apply
Parents or caregivers fill out a brief signup form. You'll hear back within 24 hours.
Verification
Every user completes a short identity verification meeting before gaining access to the platform.
Profile Review
Every profile is reviewed and approved before the user is allowed in. No one joins automatically.
Connect Safely
Users browse profiles, match, and chat — with safety features protecting every interaction.
What protects your loved one inside the app
These features are active every time a user opens the app — not just during signup.
Closed Platform
This is not open social media. Every member is reviewed and approved. No anonymous accounts.
Automatic Message Filtering
Inappropriate language, addresses, phone numbers, and financial information are blocked before messages are sent.
7-Day Trust Period
Phone numbers and social media handles are blocked for the first 7 days. Physical addresses are always blocked — no exceptions.
Instant Reporting
Any user can report or unmatch another at any time. Users are immediately separated and the report is reviewed within 24 hours.
Conversation Starters
Built-in suggested messages and topic prompts help users start conversations comfortably and safely.
Drop Link Mini-Game
Users can play Drop Link — an in-app connect-four style game — giving more ways to bond beyond just texting.
Built for the pilot — and beyond
The pilot runs on the web so we can gather real feedback before building the full App Store version.
Works on any device during the pilot
For the pilot, the app runs in a browser — no download required. It works on phone, tablet, iPad, laptop, or desktop. The goal is to gather feedback and move toward a full App Store and Google Play launch.
Designed to be easy
Built-in conversation starters and topic suggestions help users who may not know what to say first. The Drop Link mini-game gives another way to connect beyond just messaging.
No photos sent between users
Users cannot send photos to each other. Profile photos are part of the review process only — uploaded and vetted before approval.
Your feedback shapes what comes next
This pilot exists to test and improve. At the end of 3 weeks, every participant and caregiver is asked to share feedback. Without that input, a full App Store launch simply isn't possible.
No system is perfect — and we're honest about that. This pilot is a real test of everything the platform has to offer. Safety filters are active but not flawless. Monitoring is ongoing but human. That's exactly why your involvement matters. The more you participate, report, and give honest feedback, the better and safer this platform becomes. The goal is to build something truly great — and that only happens with your help.
What parents ask most
These are the questions we hear most often. Have something else? Use the chat button or reach out directly.
Built with purpose
This is not a corporate product. It is a personal mission from someone who spent years in this community and decided to build what was missing.
"I have been volunteering with adults in the special needs community for approximately two years. During that time, one thing became very clear to me — it is genuinely hard for adults with special needs to connect and make new friends outside of their program or immediate circle. I built Special Connections because I wanted to do something about that. This community is one that I have grown to love, and I wanted to create a space where people can meet others, build friendships, and feel a sense of connection that goes beyond their existing bubble. This is a personal passion project, not a corporate product. I care deeply about getting this right."
— Founder, Special Connections
The Problem
Adults with disabilities often face a very limited social and dating pool. Finding people who understand their experiences — and building real connections — is genuinely hard outside of an immediate circle or program.
The Solution
A secure, inclusive platform built specifically for this community — where users can find real friendships and meaningful bonds in an environment designed around their safety and dignity.
About the Pilot
The pilot runs for 3 weeks at no cost. It is a real test — not a polished product. The goal is to learn what works, what doesn't, and what users and families actually need. At the end of 3 weeks, everyone is asked to share honest feedback. That feedback is what makes a full App Store launch possible. Parent and caregiver involvement throughout the pilot is not optional — it is essential.
Safety is our foundation
Every feature, every rule, every decision starts with one question: is this safe?
Profile Review
Every profile is reviewed and approved before a user is allowed onto the platform. For users in day programs, identity is confirmed through that program. For independent users, a call is scheduled with the user and their family before approval is granted. The email used during that process is the only email that can access the account.
Identity Verification Meeting
Every user completes a short verification meeting (typically under 10 minutes) before gaining access. This ensures every person on the platform is real and appropriate for the community.
Automatic Message Filtering
The platform scans and blocks inappropriate messages, personal contact information, addresses, and financial details before they can be sent. If a message is flagged, the user receives a prompt with safer conversation alternatives.
7-Day Trust Period
After matching, phone numbers and social media handles cannot be shared for the first 7 days. Physical addresses are blocked permanently — no exceptions. After 7 days, both users must mutually agree before any contact info is exchanged.
Instant Reporting and Unmatching
Any user can report or unmatch another at any time, for any reason. When a report is submitted, the two users are immediately separated. The report is reviewed and action is taken within 24 hours. All reports are completely confidential.
Privacy and Data
No personal identifiable information is stored or kept after the pilot concludes. Data is used only to improve the platform. It is never sold or shared.
Honest note: No system is perfect. Safety filters are active but not flawless. Monitoring is ongoing but human. That's why user reporting and parent involvement are so critical throughout the pilot. Every issue reported helps make the platform safer for everyone.
Questions Answered
Everything parents and caregivers ask most. Still have a question? Use the chat button or reach out directly.
Still have a question? Ask our assistant right now.
See It In Action
Click through to see what the app looks and feels like. Try the chat filter — it blocks inappropriate messages just like the real app. All profiles are sample data.
Notifications
Thank you for your patience! 🙏
Join the Pilot
Spots are limited. Fill out the form and we'll personally reach out within 24 hours to walk you through every step.
You're on the list.
We'll reach out personally within 24 hours to answer your questions and walk you through the next steps. No one is added to the app until you've spoken with us directly.
specialconnectionsapp@gmail.com
701-500-5067
Something feel off?
Whether it's something inside the app or a general concern — report it here. Every submission is reviewed personally within 24 hours.
Report Received
We'll review this personally within 24 hours. If you left contact information, expect a direct response. No concern goes unaddressed.