Written by Tarryn James

So you’re looking to make yoga more accessible? AMAZING! We are so excited to see you here!

As an Occupational Therapist myself, I am thrilled to see talks of Accessibility in our local yoga community. This year, I have been learning a lot about Accessibility from Sydney Edwards, fellow OT and Accessibility Yoga Teacher based in Cape Town! In fact, her knowledge sharing has inspired the tips behind this blog! So whether you’re a yoga teacher or student, here are simple actions you can take to advocate for accessible yoga practices:

START HERE

If you are a yoga teacher or studio owner, you have already taken the first steps by researching, seeking advice, questioning and exploring the accessibility of your own offerings. Well done. Remember, the smallest actions make the the biggest difference. By doing what you can and advocating for small changes, there can be a massive ripple effect.

Take a moment to reflect on your current offerings and what you would like to gain from your accessibility journey. If you use the phrase “Our classes are for every body” or “Our classes are accessible to everyone” - look at what that TRULY means and wether your offerings align with that. If not, what steps would you like to take today to adapt.

PHYSICAL BARRIERS TO ACCESSIBILITY

Over the last year we have seen yoga offerings move between in person and online classes. In both instances, there are a few actions we can take to make these classes more welcome to everybody. A few questions you can ask yourself:

✨Can the venue/building/facilities be approached, entered, and exited by people with varying mobility needs?

✨If online- what are the different ways the information can be communicated? What accessibility features can be included? (Closed captions etc)

AFFORDABILITY / FINANCIAL ACCESSIBILITY

A large component of accessibility is also financial accessibility. Some ways in which we can make our offerings more financially accessible:

✨ Sliding Scale Payment structure (Introducing a Regular, Supporter and Discounted Rate) where clients can select the payment that suits their financial need best.

✨ Incorporating Payment Plans into Yoga Retreats, Workshops or Trainings.

✨Offering Partial or Full Scholarships to Teacher Trainings

PROPS, ASANA AND VARIATIONS

There are MANY techniques to make asana accessible and this is where teachers can truly be creative in their teachings. One of our favourites is to use Props, Props and more Props! Props are an incredible tool to support students in a number of different ways. It is time to destigmatize props and the idea that they are “only for beginners” or for those who “can’t do the pose”. In fact, props can completely give student s a new experience and allow them to explore new sensations in the body.

Other techniques include breaking down the pose, changing the orientation (e.g. doing eagle pose lying down instead of balancing) and even incorporating chair yoga into your classes!

CONVEY THE ESSENCE OF YOGA

What does yoga mean to you? And how are you presenting that message through your teachings?

Yoga is a very multi-dimensional practice and by teaching asana, or the only the poses, we are teaching a very small part of the practice. One consideration is to look at HOW you are teaching as well as WHAT you are teaching. By continuing your own learning of the ancient teachings of yoga, you can present yoga teachings in a more accessible and authentic way. Simple Tips: To incorporate breathwork and mindfulness / meditative practices, letting go of what the pose LOOKS like and rather exploring what it feels like.

Remember, as a teacher or student, you are a vessel of this practice. Take some time to reflect on how you would like to show up in the yoga space and how you can advocate for small changes!