Yoga Adaptations for Young Adults

Photo: adaptiveyogaproject.com

I received a great question this week from a yoga teacher in California who is working with a group of young women with special needs. I'm sharing and edited version and parts of her e-mail here. Possibly, some of you have similar questions or some suggestions for her:

"...I am currently teaching yoga at a home for women with disabilities. We take our beach towels and folding chairs out front, and stretch and breathe together. While all 6 of the women physically sit on the towels, two of them prefer sitting in the folding chairs. I would love to teach the women more challenging postures but I am having trouble figuring out modifications for the women sitting in chairs. (All 6 are fine standing, with the chair back to help with balance poses). Do you have a resource for this, or any suggestions?"

I asked a few questions and found out that the women range in age from 20-40 and have varying degrees of cognitive & physical disabilities, including Down Syndrome and Williams Syndrome. All walk and stand unassisted but have some core and postural weaknesses and one has weaker hands. The students who want to sit in the chairs are capable but fearful of being on the ground.


The e-mail went on to say: "...The women are in their 20's, 30's and 40's, but the caregivers say they act more like Tweens. I think they are open to doing child-like themes, but nothing very silly.
I've been searching for some cooperative games, which I think they'd love. I also want to introduce pose sequences set to pop music, that we can repeat each week. We've been doing a standing series to Firework (Katy Perry) that they are real receptive to. This week I will try a surfing/warrior one, I think..."



First of all, I'd like to applaud all of those who are working to make yoga accessible to special populations. There is a growing need among children and adults for adaptive movement activities as well as a need for those willing to provide quality programming.

My response to the question is abbreviated for the purpose of this blog post, due to privacy concerns, but in general, whether working with kids or adults, we first want to encourage but never insist that participants sit on the ground, or in any particular place, especially if they are afraid. We have no idea why that fear is there-it could be due to memory of a fall, a traumatic event, or an abusive situation. Its helpful to have some background information from family members, attending physician, therapists and other members of the caregiver team so you can be aware of such issues and seek effective ways to work around or with them in the framework of your sessions.  A simple questionnaire for families to fill out will help you design customized sessions for the students individually and as a group.

As far as the question of adaptations for new postures, my first instinct, (without knowing or having observed the ladies in this class) is to suggest trying a therapy ball for some of the seated postures (with a caregiver spotting). The therapy ball will offer a bit of a challenge to familiar poses and help improve overall posture by activating & working core and leg muscles.

The second thing I'm imagining is some kind of beach chair (lounge style) for some of the reclining postures that cannot be performed in a regular folding chair. With a large towel over it and the right types of props, some of the poses that require leaning back, as well as some restorative postures can be attempted, and possibly, reduce the fear of being close to the ground, without actually being on it.

As always, please supervise children and adults with disabilities or range of motion challenges when on equipment and when practicing any new movements. When in doubt, consult with the attending physician or Physical therapist.

So now, I am turning the question over to you: What are some of your ideas and suggestions?




Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com