10 tips for teaching yoga to adults with learning disabilities

Great you want to teach yoga to adults with learning disabilities. Welcome to a very special and rewarding yoga teaching career. You will embark on a journey of self exploration, self development and laughter. Who thought yoga could be so much fun!

1. Finding a class

You may already have connections with the learning disability community and easily find a group. If not make contact with local charities and organisations who work with people with learning disabilities.

2. Meeting the group manager

Here is the opportunity to promote what you do and how you can share this with people with learning disabilities. Explain how you can use your assessment skills, pose adaptation to give a person centred yoga experience.

3. The M word

Let talk money. It's up to you to negotiate a fee for your yoga class. Part of the ethos of working with people with learning disabilities is to promote independence. By charging a small fee to those who attend the yoga class, you are helping to develop money management skills.

4. Offer trial class

This is a great way for the group to try yoga and for you to learn about the abilities and personalities of those people who will join your yoga class. You can use this as a baseline to work from when planning future classes.

5. Be open minded

Let your imagination run wild when planning your class. Each group of adults with learning disabilities is unique. Think about what they enjoy and bring in games from children's yoga that you think would be suitable.

6. Assistance from support workers

Support worker are key to helping the class be a success. They can be involved by participating in Asana and encouraging the group. They can help bring more fun into the class and showing that there's nothing better than just giving it a go!

7. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

Clear concise instructions should be given throughout the yoga class. Some people may lose concentration or be easily distracted. Don't worry about frequently repeating the instruction to the group. It may take some people a little longer for them to process the information

8. Don't worry if something doesn't work

There will be times when a planned pose or game just doesn't seem to work. It happens. The group will tell you honestly if they like it don't like something. If this happens. Put that pose or game away for a later date. It may be that they need more experience with yoga for that to be a success.

9. Plan a break in the class

This really works in assisting with concentration. A small break allows the group to have a drink, have a toilet break and relax briefly from the intense concentration.

10. Allow plenty of time for shavasana

This everyone's favourite part of yoga class and for a few this may be the most beneficial part of the class as they are unable to relax at any other time. By making the group feel special using blankets, pillows and eye pillows you can encourage relaxation. By being warm, snugly and feeling safe, the group will stay in relaxation longer and feel the benefits.