Absolutely! Yoga is a highly adaptable practice that can be tailored to meet the unique needs and abilities of individuals with special needs or disabilities. Yoga is especially beneficial for special needs individuals due to their potential physical, physiological, and social and emotional challenges. Some ways that we may adapt the yoga practice is:

•  Through customized movements/poses so that each student can participate safely and comfortably.

• Use of props to provide support and enhance accessibility.

• Gentle guidance from instructors that are trained to help students attain proper alignment and movement.

• Providing a calming and sensory friendly environment.

• Individualized attention through the use of small session sizes or 1:1 sessions, upon requests.

• Emphasizing mindfulness practices and breathwork techniques that promote relaxation, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. 

Our approach focuses on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can experience the benefits of yoga. 

Absolutely! Non-verbal students or students struggling with communication can fully participate in our sessions. We not only implement a variety of strategies and supports to ensure effective communication and engagement, tailored to each individual’s needs but additionally will work to build and enhance communication skills during each session. Here are some ways we can support students with communication depending on student need:

• Use of visual aids and pictures to demonstrate poses, assist with transitions, support memory, word retrieval, and to build language and communication. 

• For students who use Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), we can integrate this system into our sessions so that students can use picture cards to express their needs, make choices, and indicate preferences.

• We welcome and encourage the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices for those that may utilize these supports, such as speech-generating devices and communication apps, to help non-verbal students communicate effectively during sessions, gestures, modeling, and imitation, to support communication and understanding.

• We will work closely with caretakers and therapists to understand each student’s specific communication needs and preferences, ensuring our approach is consistent with their existing support strategies. 

Our goal is to make yoga accessible and enjoyable for all students, regardless of their verbal abilities. We ensure that non-verbal students can actively engage in and benefit from our sessions.

The EmpowerMe practice offers numerous benefits for individuals with autism, ADD/ADHD, and other learning disabilities, addressing a range of physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs. Here are some key benefits:

• Our sessions offer opportunities for social interaction, cooperation, and communication, helping develop important social skills in a supportive setting.

• Mindful movement practice will improve coordination, balance, and body awareness, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

• Our sessions encourage mindfulness and breath awareness, which can help individuals with ADD/ADHD enhance their attention span and reduce impulsivity.

• The calming techniques, such as breathwork, mindfulness and relaxation practices, can help individuals manage their emotions more effectively, reducing anxiety and stress levels, leading to a more relaxed sense of well-being.

• The structured nature of our sessions provides a predictable routine and environment, which can be comforting and beneficial for individuals with autism and other learning disabilities who thrive on consistency, aiding in sensory regulation and reducing overstimulation.

• Successfully learning and performing poses can boost self-esteem and confidence, fostering a positive self-image and sense of accomplishment.

• Regular practice can help reduce hyperactivity and improve behavioral outcomes by providing a positive outlet for energy and emotions.

• Mindfulness practices can improve executive functioning skills, such as planning, organization, and memory, which are often areas of difficulty for individuals with learning disabilities.

Mindful movement offers numerous benefits for individuals with Down syndrome, addressing physical, social, emotional, and cognitive aspects of their well-being. In addition to all the benefits listed above in the previous section, here are some additional benefits:

• Poses help to strengthen muscles and improve overall muscle tone, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with down syndrome.

• Regular practice of stretches and movements can increase flexibility and joint mobility, aiding in physical development and reducing stiffness.

• Enhances balance and coordination, which can improve motor skills and physical stability.

• Promotes greater body awareness and proprioception, helping individuals understand their body in space and improve their posture.

• Encourages mindfulness and breath awareness, which can enhance attention span and concentration, benefiting cognitive function.

Our sessions are designed to be inclusive and adaptable, catering to a wide range of ages and abilities. Generally, students can start participating in mindful movement from a young age, and we offer sessions tailored to different age groups following the completion of our intake form to ensure that each participant receives age-appropriate instruction and support. No matter the age, our approach is to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where participants can explore the benefits at their own pace. If you have specific concerns or questions about the appropriate age for your child or loved one to begin their journey, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to provide personalized recommendations based on individual needs and readiness.

A ESA is an account administered by ADE and funded by state tax dollars to provide options for the education of qualified students in Arizona. ESA funds do not constitute taxable income to the parent of the qualified student. The ESA program allows parents of qualified students to utilize tax dollars to purchase educational services from qualified schools, education providers, and / or vendors. Eligible students receive 90% of the State aid that would have gone to the student’s school district or charter school, had the student been enrolled in the public school system. ESA contracts are offered and signed annually, but funds are dispersed quarterly. Please view a complete parent handbook here for further information. You can view ESA eligibility requirements and application information here.