Accessible yoga for adults with learning disabilities: the Yoga for Me approach

Abstract

Yoga is a practice that consists of gentle stretching, breathing exercises and meditation. It can be used as a mind-body intervention, and has benefits for physical and emotional health and well-being. Different yoga styles involve a different intensity of practice. However, the accessibility of yoga to people with physical and learning disabilities is limited. People with learning disabilities experience many health and emotional disadvantages and have a lower average age of death than the general population. Yoga provides an opportunity to increase their well-being.This article discusses the development of a method to teach yoga to adults with learning disabilities. The aim of this initiative was to demonstrate that by using a person-centred approach, people with learning disabilities can be supported to enjoy the practice and benefits of yoga in face-to-face classes and online.