Disability inclusion is about more than making physical changes to a studio or adapting the way a class is taught. It is also about the culture we create: the values we demonstrate, the decisions we make, and the signals students receive about whether they belong.

Inclusive communication is about more than the words we use. It shapes how students experience a yoga class, the choices available to them, and whether they feel they have control over their own practice.

When we talk about accessibility in yoga, we often think about physical barriers, instructor skills, or the cost of attending a class. But there is another kind of access that can be harder to identify. What happens when the barrier is an attitude? In the Inclusive Yoga Framework, the Attitudinal Access Pillar looks at the beliefs, language, and habits of mind that either open the door or quietly close it. Start with intersectionality Disability is complex. It intersects with

When you think about accessibility in yoga, you may first think about physical access. Can someone enter the studio? Can they navigate the space? Can they participate in the class? But there is another question to ask: Can they afford to be there? In the Inclusive Yoga Framework, the Financial Access Pillar looks at the economic realities facing people who have a disability and the equity strategies that can help remove financial barriers to participation. The economic realit

Yoga instructors are trained professionals. Most have invested significant time learning anatomy, sequencing, philosophy, teaching methodology, and more. But for many instructors, disability awareness and inclusive teaching aren't part of their initial training. That creates a gap between what we are trained to do and what genuinely inclusive teaching can require. In the Inclusive Yoga Framework, the Instructor Readiness Pillar looks at the skills, relationships, and teaching

The Physical Environment — Access Begins Before the Mat When we talk about accessibility in yoga, the first thing that often comes to mind is the physical space: stairs, doorways, washrooms, parking, or whether someone using a mobility device can move through the studio. Those things matter. But physical access is much bigger than architecture. In the Inclusive Yoga Framework, the Physical Environment Pillar asks us to consider all the spaces and experiences a student encount

Accessibility in yoga doesn't happen with one single change. It is a collection of interconnected practices that shape whether someone feels welcomed, valued, and able to participate. The Inclusive Yoga Framework, developed by Jeannette Campbell, brings these practices together through six interconnected pillars. Together they provide a practical way to identify and address barriers to participation in yoga - from physical environment to communication, teaching and studio

Yesterday marked two important observances in the United States: the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (July 26, 1990) National Disability Independence Day Although these are U.S. observances, their influence extends well beyond American borders. The principles behind the ADA; access, participation, dignity, and equal opportunity, continue to shape conversations about accessibility and inclusion around the world. The anniversary is an opportunity not on

June 21 marked the anniversary of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), which became law in 2019. The Act includes a clear target: a barrier-free Canada by 2040. At first glance, 2040 may seem like it's still a long way off. In reality, it's only a few years away, and there is a great deal of work to do if we are going to achieve that vision. The good news? Every one of us has a role to play. Accessibility isn't only the responsibility of governments, architects, employers, or lar

The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. For many, it is a time of celebration, gratitude, and connection to the natural rhythms that surround us. It invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the abundance of the season. In yoga, light is often used as a symbol of awareness—not simply illumination, but understanding. It reminds us of our capacity to learn, to grow, and to deepen our connection with ourselves and others. As someone w

Yoga is often described as a practice for everyone. Yet for many people living with disabilities, chronic illnesses, mobility limitations, sensory differences, or other accessibility needs, entering a yoga studio can still feel like entering into a space that wasn't designed with them in mind. As yoga teachers and studio owners, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to examine how accessible our classes, spaces, and teaching methods truly are. Creating a more inclusive

Learn why disability inclusion is essential in yoga and how the yama of ahimsa calls teachers and studios to create accessible, inclusive yoga spaces. In yoga philosophy, ahimsa —non-harming—is a foundational principle. It’s often described as kindness or compassion, but in practice, ahimsa asks us to go further: to recognize harm where it exists and actively work to reduce it. For today’s yoga teachers and studio owners, this includes embracing disability-inclusive yoga and

There’s a moment in every teacher’s journey when routine begins to feel… familiar. Comfortable. Predictable. And while there’s value in steadiness, yoga also invites us into something deeper: curiosity. What if curiosity became part of your teaching practice? Disability-inclusive yoga begins there—not with perfection, but with a willingness to ask questions. Who is not in my room? Who might not feel welcome here yet? What assumptions am I making about bodies, abilities, or wh

Each year on International Women's Day, we celebrate the achievements, leadership, and resilience of women around the world. It is also a day that invites reflection — asking who is included, who is missing, and what we can do to create spaces where everyone can belong. In the world of yoga, this question matters deeply. Yoga is often described as a practice for everyone. Yet many yoga spaces unintentionally exclude people who have disabilities. Images of yoga in media freque

This two minute video power point discusses some practical tips you can incorporate into your studio and/or your classes to make it a more inclusive and accessible environment for every body.

This is a two (2) minute information video on how to make your practice more inclusive and accessible by implementing a scent free yoga experience. Why its important, and some simple solutions to try.

The New Year invites reflection, renewal, and intention-setting—both on and off the mat. For yoga teachers and studio owners, it’s a powerful moment to ask an important question: Who feels welcome in my classes, and who might feel left out? Setting an intention to be more inclusive in yoga isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about recognizing that yoga, at its heart, is meant for every body. Yet many people—people who have a disability, older adults, people in large

This Blog was contributed by Erica Lahti , founder of Where We Stand8|Adaptive Yoga & Mindfulness for Every Body , and author of The Good Newsletter. Erica teaches Adaptable Yoga and Mindfulness grounded in lived experience, trauma-informed care, and deep respect for the healing process. Her practice is built on breath, baby steps, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, strong, and seen — exactly as they are. Stretches Did you know that breathing stretches

Every year, on December 3rd, the world marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In Canada the theme this year is “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” As I was reading the various posts and blogs about the day, I came across this statement from an organization here in Canada – CCRW (Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work). They said that this day and the theme of it: “...reminds us that progress moves forward when people

April 2, 2025 For the past 30 years I have worked in the disability sector. I have held many different positions during that time, and have been blessed to have experienced so much and met so many incredible people. I am not a person who identifies as having a disability. I have only learned experience, not lived. That learned experience started in the early 90’s. I knew nothing about disability. I knew nothing of terminology, labels, diagnosis, accommodations, and I le