october community initiative: adaptive yoga program
Since our introduction of Adaptive Yoga Programming in January 2016, our program has served hundreds of individuals with varying abilities. With the belief that yoga is for EVERY body, we’ve customized yoga classes for adults and children in our studio, at residential and day programs and in schools. We’ve trained over 400 yoga teachers, educators, physical and occupational therapists, nurses and aides to empower them use yoga as a healing tool. The program is led by Kerri Hanlon, Yoga Home co-founder and Board Member of Accessible Yoga, an international organization dedicated to helping more people to access to the practice of yoga.
All are welcome in our Adaptive Classes. Our students range from those with complex disabilities to those who are recovering from injury or illness, to those seeking a slower based practice that doesn’t involve transitioning to the floor.
We see students with Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy as well as those who are experiencing joint pain, tennis elbow or shoulder stiffness from too many hours on the computer. Perhaps most importantly, students can leave behind their diagnoses and just show up as yogis.
What does Adaptive Yoga mean? Simply put, Adaptive Yoga means helping each individual access the practice in a safe manner that allows them to experience the physical, mental and spiritual benefits.
We find variations in the postures and breath techniques while creating community. With a focus on the energetic benefits of postures, we use lots of props to create ease and allow a deeper connection, all the while seeking a greater acceptance of the bodies we’re currently living in.
A sampling of our offerings:
• Adaptive and Chair Yoga Classes – in studio or on-site
• School Field Trips and Adult Programming Outings
• Private Instruction
• Professional Development for PTs, OTs, Educators and other Therapists
• Adaptive Yoga Workshops and Training Intensive
• Online Videos so students can practice anytime, anywhere.
A sampling of our clients:
• Colonial School District – Teacher Professional Development, Special Education field trips and more
• InspiriTec – A Philadelphia “Top Work Place” powered by individuals with disabilities
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – supporting Nurses and other Caregivers
• Schools that specialize in education for children with complex disabilities including HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, Overbrook School for the Blind and CADES
• SpArc – A Philadelphia based program for Adults with disabilities that prioritizes community
• Temple University, Widener University – Nursing, Recreation Therapy Programs and more
Yoga for Caregivers
We also recognize the importance of caring for the caregiver and support these individuals in a number of ways.
• Caregivers attend Adaptive Yoga Classes for free, allowing them to not only support their loved one, but find a community that supports them as well.
• Yoga for Caregivers Workshops are opportunities for caregivers to set aside needs of others and focus on themselves for an afternoon of mindful movement, breath and meditation.
We’re deeply committed to our Adaptive Yoga Program and want to empower our community to be part of this movement.
Here’s how you can help!
• Yoga Class to Benefit Adaptive Yoga Program – Oct. 20th, 10:30 – 11:30am
This class will celebrate our collective humanity, tapping into what makes each of our bodies and souls unique and will give you a glimpse into our Adaptive Yoga classes. Sign up here!
• Wear your support!
Purchase a “yoga is for everybody” or “the future is accessible” shirt
20% of proceeds benefit the Adaptive Yoga Program at Yoga Home
• Purchase a “yoga is for EVERY body” Pura Vida bracelet. Show your support with a bracelet custom designed for Yoga Home. 100% of proceeds benefit the Adaptive Yoga Program at Yoga Home
• Make a donation - All proceeds benefit our Adaptive Yoga Program, bringing more classes to schools, day and residential programs; scholarship and resources for caregivers. Click here to make an online donation!
• Share with a friend! Know someone who might benefit from our program? Please share this with them!
Check out our Adaptive Yoga Program in the news segment Three Cheers: Yoga for Every Body!