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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turned 36 yesterday


TEXT on left of image reads: July 26 Americans with Disabilities Act 36 years of Progress. A lifetime of Possibility (Decorative line with a heart) The ADA changed more than buildings. It changed the way we think about barriers, participation, and belonging. Beside those words is an Image of an orange yoga mat rolled up, with a leafy green plant in the background. Below the image is a series of icons: from left to right they are: Wheelchair icon with the word Access underneath Icon of 3 people with the word Participation underneath Icon of a heart with the word Dignity underneath Icon of scales of justice image with the words Equal Opportunity underneath Icon of a "quote" bubble with the words Communication & class Design underneath Icon of a lotus flower with the words Studio Culture underneath. There is a vertical orange line after the last icon. Beside that line (right side of image) are the words: In yoga, accessibility isn't just about entering the building. Its about belonging once you arrive. (this sentence is bolded). At the very bottom of the image is an Orange banner with the DIYoga logo in a white circle: Outline of person sitting on a book/lotus flower with an orange sun setting behind them, and the words Disability Inclusive Yoga below it. Next to the logo it reads: Removing barriers. Creating communities where everyone belongs, and then a white heart icon.

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 only to celebrate progress, but to reflect on the work that remains.


The ADA Changed More Than Buildings

Many people think of the ADA in terms of ramps, elevators, accessible parking spaces, and curb cuts. Those changes matter.


But perhaps the ADA's greatest contribution was recognizing, and calling out, that barriers are created by environments and not by a person's disability.


That awareness continues to influence accessibility around the world.


What Does This Mean for Yoga?


Accessibility in yoga isn't only about whether someone can enter the building.

It's also about whether they feel they belong once they arrive.


Through my work in disability awareness and yoga, I have found it helpful to think about accessibility through six interconnected areas.  I call it the Inclusive Yoga Framework:


  • Physical Environment

  • Instructor Readiness

  • Financial Access

  • Attitudinal Access

  • Inclusive Communication & Class Design

  • Studio Culture


Turning Awareness into Action


If you teach yoga or own a studio, I invite you to reflect on these questions:


Physical Environment: What barriers exist before someone enters my class?

Instructor Readiness: How prepared do I feel to welcome students with disabilities?

Financial Access: Who may be excluded from my classes because of cost?

Attitudinal Access: Have I unintentionally assumed who yoga is "for"?

Communication & Class Design: Do my words create choice and belonging?

Studio Culture: Does my yoga community communicate that everyone belongs?


Our opportunity today


Disability awareness is the foundation of inclusion. The more we understand disability, the more thoughtfully we can design spaces where people feel welcomed and respected. We have an opportunity to make inclusion something we live, not just something we support.


The ADA reminds us that accessibility begins with removing barriers.


Yoga invites us to go one step further by creating communities where people experience dignity, respect, and belonging. With every class we teach. Every space we create. Every student we welcome.






 

 
 
 

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