Amidst yoga’s enormous popularity, studios advertise classes for “all levels and all bodies.” But does a typical yoga instructor know how to provide accommodations for someone with hypertonic cerebral palsy? Would an instructor know that someone with Down syndrome has low muscle tone and extreme external rotation, and their natural proclivity to move into 90/90 isn’t necessarily a good sign of how “flexy” they are? And does the yoga community at large realize a significant population of individuals for whom yoga would offer invaluable benefits is largely disenfranchised, lacking access to safe and effective guidance for breath, movement, and stillness?
Seasoned educator and veteran yoga instructor Stefanie Gross is passionate about how yoga can foster health and wellness for those with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and is driven to bring the enormous benefits of yoga to those who are historically overlooked in a safe and effective way. In 2011, she launched Move Through Yoga, a 501c3 organization with a mission to increase access to inclusive, adaptive yoga in schools, transition and day programs, and in mainstream yoga studios.
The need is compelling. Over 7 million students in the U.S. are disabled, and many experience additional co-occurring physical and mental health disorders. Individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities experience social isolation and low self-esteem, struggle with sensory and mood regulation, and lack opportunities to experience joy in movement. Despite national requirements for inclusive physical education in schools and the evidence supporting its benefits, major gaps exist in teacher preparedness for working with individuals with disabilities including in mainstream yoga studios.
MTY developed its methodology for adaptive yoga drawing upon Gross’ depth of experience and specialty expertise in adapted physical education, trauma-informed yoga, and positive behavioral intervention support. Every MTY class takes into account each student’s baseline capacities, begins with guided breathing exercises, then follows with movements sequenced to enhance proprioception. Using a variety of props – blocks, straps, chairs, bolsters, blankets, and wall space – MTY guides each person to successfully access a pose.
The power of adaptive yoga comes from the nature of the experience, not necessarily in achieving a number of poses. Layering the experience fosters sensory perception and attunement, leading to self-regulation that can be practiced any time when feelings are triggered and flooding occurs. Special education techniques ensure students who detest change and are often uncomfortable with foreign sensations in their bodies know what to expect. Low doses of instruction slowly reveal bodily sensations and allow time for body literacy to be enhanced. Classes are heavily interactive, with feedback and encouragement to decrease the isolation felt by so many with I/DD and foster social-emotional learning.
Adaptive yoga is an invaluable resource that can be readily applied across the lifespan to enhance well-being and self-advocacy for individuals of all diverse minds and bodies. MTY commits to increasing the number of educators, yoga professionals, families and other caregivers qualified to utilize adaptive yoga practices. MTY’s training program builds knowledge and skills through immersive learning and follow up coaching and enables adaptive yoga practices to be applied in a wide variety of settings. MTY measures its success by the positively impacted lives. Trainees say they feel more equipped and prepared. Importantly, the individuals who practice adaptive yoga with MTY-trained teachers demonstrate a noticeable sense of calm during and after class, a greater use of self-regulation skills, improved spatial and body awareness, and a stronger connection with their peers.
Stefanie Gross is a passionate educator and advanced yoga practitioner with 20 years of teaching experience and extensive training in trauma-informed and adaptive yoga. She holds two master’s degrees (M.A. and M.Ed.) in adapted physical education and holds two professional certificates as a certified adapted physical educator and in behavioral intervention support. Stefanie applied her extensive experience in designing curricula and differentiating instruction for diverse learners to developing the methodology and curriculum guiding Move Through Yoga trainings and classes. When she isn’t leading an adaptive yoga training or workshops, she is enjoying her time as a new mom, and celebrating the journey of her beautiful family.
