MiFinder GPS App for Disabled Social Networking & Dating

Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2013/05/27 - Updated: 2026/02/05
Publication Type: Product Release, Update
Category Topic: Apps - Related Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This product review presents MiFinder, a location-based iPhone application developed by British entrepreneur Gabriel Saclain specifically to address social isolation challenges faced by disabled individuals and diverse communities. The app's authority stems from its endorsement by Tourism for All, a recognized charity supporting disabled accessibility, whose Information Service Head Carrie-Ann Lightley recommends it for its potential to benefit people with disabilities who may be homebound or face socialization barriers. MiFinder helps users connect with others in their immediate vicinity through GPS technology, allowing them to find friends, dating partners, and support networks based on shared community identities including disability status, with practical features like instant messaging, photo sharing, and secure location-based meetup coordination that can genuinely improve quality of life for people experiencing loneliness or limited mobility - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

MiFinder Social Networking App for Disabled and Diverse Communities

MiFinder is the world's first iPhone App to allow diverse communities, such as the disabled community to 'find' each other in real time, using GPS. Unlike other social networking Apps it is a British project launched by Brighton based entrepreneur Gabriel Saclain. MiFinder is unique in its approach as it enables users to find like-minded people to make friends with, date and gain social support in their local area and everywhere they go, based on their exact location.

Main Content

Gabriel devised the app after working with disabled communities and was particularly struck by the challenges they faced. He said: "The social needs of disabled people can be overlooked, they often need physical as well as mental support and they will find MiFinder a useful networking tool. The disabled community can sometimes experience difficulties socializing, as being home bound can limit the opportunity to travel to meet people."

Carrie-Ann Lightley, Head of Tourism for All's Information service, an independent charity supporting tourism and leisure opportunities for disabled people stated "I would highly recommend MiFinder to people with disabilities as it could have a real and invaluable benefit to their lives and their ability to access support, networking and dating. It is an excellent idea and a unique concept for those people who may feel lonely and isolated, so overall a great product"

Users can Instant Message each other, send photos and fix upon an exact location on a map to meet up. Security is paramount and users can instantly block, report and investigate other users, have the option to turn distance off, profile photos and language is screened. A user's exact location is never shown unless they provide it. These controls make it as secure as it can possibly be.

It takes seconds to create a profile and unlike many apps, there is no registration required. Users can see others on a thumbnail screen and Instant Message, send photos and share their exact location on a map to meet up. Security is paramount and users can instantly block, report and investigate other users, turn their distance off, profile photos and language is screened. A user's exact location is never shown unless they provide it. These controls make it as secure as it can possibly be.

MiFinder App Facts

What is MiFinder?

A location based app for disabled and other diverse communities.

What does it do?

Allows users to make new friends, date and get social support in 'real time' from a wide range of ethnic, religious, sexual and disability communities around them.

How does it work?

A user selects the communities they belong to, uploads their photo and profile text
They then tick the communities they would like to engage with, in any combination
A thumbnail screen will instantly appear, showing the profiles of the closest 120 users who fit the exact chosen criteria, ordered on the screen according to how far away the user is in meters and miles from them at that very moment
The user can then instant message, share photos and their exact location (along with car and walking directions) with any user they choose; this GPS works globally.

Who is it for?

People from a wide range of ethnic, religious, sexual and disability communities
People who may not belong to a diverse community themselves but live in diverse areas and wish to make new friends, date and engage with the different communities around them

How is it unique/newsworthy?

It's the only community oriented app for diverse communities in the world
The world's only app designed to enhance community engagement and cohesion in a fun and exciting way
It's the only app that allows community organizations (such as support groups etc.) to have a real time presence on it
It's a fast growing British project in a USA dominated sector, therefore positively showcases British minority entrepreneurial talent
The world's only app that also allows disabled people to find like minded others in real time for dating, making new friends and social support
The world's only app that also caters to globally dispersed communities (e.g. Baha'i, Ismaili, etc.) and those small in number (e.g. Australian Aborigine, Native American etc.)
The filters allow people from Multiple Identity communities (for example people who may be Jewish and Black or Buddhist and LGBT etc.) to find users to share these unique experiences with

What security and safety measures are there?

There are many strict safety measures including options to instantly block and report users, option to turn distance off, exact location is never shared unless given, all profile photos are checked by humans and profanity filters.

What have others said about MiFinder?

Carrie-Ann Lightley, head of Tourism for All's Information service, an independent charity supporting tourism and leisure opportunities for disabled people stated "I would highly recommend MiFinder to people with disabilities as it could have a real and invaluable benefit to their lives and their ability to access support, networking and dating. It is an excellent idea and a unique concept for those people who may feel lonely and isolated, so overall a great product"
The venture capital organization Clearly So have stated that MiFinder is an organization which is "in business to create positive change in the world by creating social and/or environmental impact".
MiFinder has also been featured in The Argus, Ability Magazine, Headstar, Smarter Dating, Same Difference and is an Official Partner on Go-on-gold

Where can I get it?

MiFinder aspires to become the ultimate social networking tool for disabled communities across the world. It is available for free at the iPhone App Store

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Though MiFinder launched over a decade ago as an iPhone-exclusive platform, its core mission remains relevant today: breaking down the invisible walls of social isolation that many disabled people face daily. The app's focus on real-time, location-based connections addresses a persistent gap in assistive technology - the need for spontaneous, nearby social interaction rather than distant online communities. While the social networking landscape has evolved dramatically since 2013, and questions remain about the app's current availability and feature updates, its original vision highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of disability support. True accessibility isn't just about ramps and screen readers; it's also about creating pathways for human connection, friendship, and romance that able-bodied people often take for granted - Disabled World (DW).

Ian C. Langtree Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.