5 reasons why you should consider teaching yoga to adults with learning disabilities
Teaching yoga to adults with learning disabilities has been the highlight of my yoga teaching career. These classes are the most challenging, stimulating and rewarding times I have experienced. The people who attend make me smile from beginning to end of class and i want to share with you the 5 key reasons why you should consider teaching yoga to adults with a learning disability.
1. Challenge yourself as a teacher As teachers we need to continue to learn and develop skills in adapting yoga to suit our clients in class. Each group member has very different physical, communication and intellectual needs. The lesson plan you develop is a framework from which to work and often changed to meet the needs of the individuals on that specific day. Working with adults with a learning disability challenges your communication skills, assessment of physical abilities and adaptions to poses to ensure everyone enjoys the class. It gives you, as the teacher, freedom to explore ideas, themes, pose adaptations and include the group members ideas into the classes.
2. Improved physical health The physical health benefits of yoga are well documented. However adults with a learning disability have a 10-20 year reduction in life expectancy than the general population, are less likely to understand the benefits of a healthy eating or exercise, or be able to access appropriate exercise classes,more likely to experience diabetes, heart disease and obesity. (RCN, 2013). Yoga and any form of gentle exercise will provide health benefits
3. Improved ability to relax Many people with a learning disability have anxiety or chronic stress as well as muscular tension. Many have never had the opportunity to take time out and participate in mindfulness activities, concentration on breathing or relaxation as in shavasana. They embrace these aspects of yoga and respond to a short or long relaxation. They love the lying down on the mat with a blanket, cushion and eye pillow. Making them feel special.
4. Make yoga fun
When teaching yoga to adults with learning disabilities be prepared for lots of laughter. The achievement is not having the perfect down dog or warrior 1 but actually getting into the pose. Positive feedback by cheering and congratulating each other when poses are achieved encourages team building and socialisation. Don't be afraid to use games adapted from children's yoga. The group will tell you what they do or don't like. If you think something doesn't work in a class don't worry, park that idea and maybe try again when they are a bit more experienced in yoga.
5. You will be one of a small group of yoga teachers.
There are not many yoga teachers in this area. My yoga teacher training did not include learning disability or special needs and I'm sure there are very few that do. Hence there are very few yoga teachers in this area. What an opportunity! There are many groups who would be delighted to try yoga. Not only are they loyal and regular attenders to class but they really enjoy the challenges and benefits of yoga.
As a yoga teacher for adults with learning disability I have had the opportunity to develop my skills in a specialist area. I have found a niche where there are very few teachers which is such a shame as yoga brings so many health and psychological benefits to everyone. This wonderful group of people bring fun, laughter and enthusiasm to yoga. They make me smile and I always leave class feeling joyful.
Reference:
Royal College of Nursing ( 2013) 3rd Edition, Meeting the health needs of People with Learning disabilities, London.