Celebrating Disability Pride Month: The ADA's Legacy and Creating Inclusive Yoga Spaces

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month this July, we honor the rich history, diversity, and contributions of the disability community. This month also marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark piece of legislation that has been crucial in advancing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. In the spirit of inclusivity and accessibility, we at Yoga In Our City are committed to making yoga a welcoming and empowering practice for everyone, regardless of ability.

The Legacy of the ADA: A Milestone in Disability Rights

The ADA, signed into law on July 26, 1990, was a monumental step forward for disability rights in the United States. It prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. This legislation not only guarantees certain rights but also underscores the importance of accessibility and inclusion in every aspect of society.

Inclusive Yoga: Making Every Class Accessible

Yoga is a practice of unity, not just within oneself but also within the community. At Yoga In Our City, we believe that yoga should be accessible to everyone. This means adapting our classes to meet the needs of people with varying abilities and ensuring that our spaces are welcoming and inclusive.

Yoga In Our City teacher Katlyn, who also teaches individuals with exceptionalities in the classroom, shared some of her key practices and suggestions for promoting greater accessibility and inclusivity:

Four Key Practices for Inclusive Yoga:

Use Accessible Language:
- Instead of saying, “Stand at the top of your mat,” try, “Find a comfortable position at the front of your mat.”
- Avoid phrases like “all ten fingers pointed forward” and use more inclusive language such as “bring your hands forward.”
- Avoid phrases like “full expression of the pose,” “if you are more flexible,” and “you should feel…” and instead encourage students to find their own shape with each pose that feels comfortable to them.

Offer Modifications and Props:
- Always provide options that accommodate different abilities, such as chair yoga or using props like blocks and straps.
- Encourage all students to choose the variation that suits them best, emphasizing that yoga is a personal journey.

Create an Inclusive Environment:
- Be open to feedback and continuously educate yourself on disability awareness.
- Foster a sense of belonging by celebrating diversity and using person-first language, which emphasizes the individual rather than the disability.

Encourage Holistic Wellness Through all 8 Limbs of Yoga:
- Focusing solely on asana neglects the other essential practices that contribute to mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual growth and promotes greater accessibility.

How You Can Celebrate Disability Pride Month in Your Community & Yoga Practice

Educate Yourself and Others:
- Learn about the history of the ADA and the ongoing fight for disability rights. Share this knowledge with your community to raise awareness.
- Broaden your perspective: the book Disability Visibility is a great starting place, find it at your local library and more info online here.

Reflect and Adapt:
- Reflect on your own biases and assumptions. Strive to make your yoga practice and teaching more inclusive by considering the needs of all participants.
- Accessible Yoga is a great book and resource

At Yoga In Our City, we are dedicated to creating a space where everyone can experience the benefits of yoga. As we celebrate the anniversary of the ADA and Disability Pride Month, we invite you to join us in uplifting the voices of the disability community, advocating for accessibility, and making wellness inclusive for all.

Explore our inclusive classes and learn more about how we are working to break down barriers in the yoga community. Together, we can create a more inclusive and connected world. For more information and to find a class near you, visit Yoga In Our City.