Everything you need to know about the inclusive friendship app—Buddy Up

The lack of equal and accessible opportunities for members of the disabled community can make it difficult for them to form connections, which often leads to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Everyone deserves companionship, and that is why the need for a safe space—one that is supportive, inclusive, and welcoming for all—has never been more critical. We may have seen this happen around us in our communities, but we have hardly taken any steps to improve the situation. We could attribute it to a sense of detachment or a lack of personal investment in the matter. Thankfully, we are beginning to see positive change in society, thanks to two supermoms—Moneisha Gandhi and Gopika Kapoor.

This is the story of Buddy Up, a social networking app that is designed to connect people with disabilities, helping them build meaningful connections across the country. 

How did the app come into being?

Gandhi and Kapoor crossed paths when their respective children, Mihaan (19), who has Down Syndrome, and Vir, who has autism, met at a baking activity and quickly became the best of friends. With Mihaan’s friends studying elsewhere, Gandhi was always worried about her son making new friends. Kapoor shared this concern as her shy son Vir had trouble bonding with his peers. This shared sentiment led the two mothers to co-found Buddy Up, a platform designed to help teens and adults with disabilities connect with others who share similar interests and understand their journeys. By offering a supportive and inclusive environment, Buddy Up encourages meaningful conversations and fosters long-lasting friendships among its users.

What are its features?

Buddy Up is accessible to any person with disabilities above the age of 18 or their parents or guardians. Users can search for friends based on location, interests, age, gender, LGBTQIA+ identity, and disabilities. If someone isn't comfortable disclosing their disability, they can simply leave it blank. Moreover, users also have the option to keep their details private including their address, phone number, etc. 

Like most connection apps, Buddy Up allows you to chat with people, send them pictures, and even has a video call feature. The app’s filters make it easy for users to find and connect with others who share similar experiences, whether they have the same condition or are caregivers. 

Since its launch just five weeks ago, Buddy Up has quickly grown in popularity, attracting around 1,200 users. Of these, 43 per cent are caregivers, while 57 per cent are individuals living with disabilities, creating a diverse and supportive community.

Lead image: Pexels

Also read: The story of Rahul Gajjal, a visually-impaired artist, and his remarkable vision of making music