How to Be Adaptive/Special Needs and Restorative Yoga Teacher - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 5, 2023 / 7 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Adaptive/Special Needs and Restorative Yoga are both practice that can have a positive effect on individuals with special needs. Adaptive/Special Needs Yoga helps to create a safe environment and provides an accessible, customized approach to yoga for people with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. Through modifications to poses, use of therapeutic props, and individualized postures, Adaptive/Special Needs Yoga can help individuals with special needs to access the practice of yoga and the benefits it provides.

Restorative Yoga is a gentle practice that helps the practitioner to relax deeply and restore physical, mental, and emotional balance. It utilizes props and a variety of supported postures to help the body find balance and deep relaxation. For individuals with special needs, Restorative Yoga can help to reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and provide a sense of emotional security.

Through both Adaptive/Special Needs Yoga and Restorative Yoga, individuals with special needs can experience improved physical strength, emotional balance, and overall wellbeing.

Steps How to Become

Complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training from a Yoga Alliance accredited school. This will provide you with the foundation of teaching yoga and the knowledge of anatomical alignment and breathing techniques.
Research and take courses in Adaptive/Special Needs and Restorative Yoga. This can be done through continuing education courses, workshops and trainings.
Practice regularly to gain hands-on experience with students of different abilities and ages.
Become certified as an Adaptive/Special Needs or Restorative Yoga Teacher. This certification process usually includes a written exam, practical exam, and teaching demonstration.
Network with teachers and peers to stay up to date on the latest trends and techniques in the field.
Join professional organizations such as International Association of Yoga Therapy or Special Yoga Network to stay connected and informed.
Consider obtaining additional certifications such as Trauma-Informed Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Chair Yoga, and more in order to diversify your teaching offerings.

Adaptive/Special Needs and Restorative Yoga teachers must stay informed and competent in their field in order to provide the best care for their students. This means staying up-to-date on the latest research, engaging in continuing education courses, and attending workshops and conferences. they must be willing to adapt their teaching style and practice to meet their students individual needs.

By doing so, they can create a safe and welcoming environment where their students can learn, grow, and develop their skills. Furthermore, teachers must also be able to recognize when their students need additional support or modifications, as well as how to provide restorative practices to help them heal and achieve balance in their lives. staying informed and competent allows Adaptive/Special Needs and Restorative Yoga teachers to provide the best care for their students and help them reach their fullest potential.

You may want to check Corporate Yoga Instructor, Senior Yoga Instructor, and Ashtanga Yoga Instructor for alternative.

Job Description

Adaptive/Special Needs Yoga Teacher: Responsible for providing adapted yoga instruction for those with disabilities, special needs, and other physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Must have knowledge of physical and psychological issues that may arise in this population and be able to provide modifications to ensure their safety.
Restorative Yoga Teacher: Responsible for providing restorative yoga instruction to students of all levels. Must be able to modify poses to meet the needs of the individual and provide additional support when needed to ensure a safe and beneficial practice.
Inclusive Yoga Teacher: Responsible for creating an inclusive environment in their classes and ensuring that all students feel welcome, regardless of their physical, mental, or emotional ability. Must be able to provide modifications and support to ensure that everyone can benefit from their practice.
Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher: Responsible for creating a safe environment to practice yoga in which students feel secure and supported, especially those who have experienced trauma. Must be able to provide modifications and support to ensure that everyone feels welcome and able to participate in the class.
Accessible Yoga Teacher: Responsible for providing accessible yoga instruction by making classes available to those with disabilities and/or special needs. Must be able to provide modifications and support to ensure that everyone can participate in the class.
Chair Yoga Teacher: Responsible for providing chair yoga instruction for those unable to do floor poses. Must be able to provide modifications and support to ensure that everyone can benefit from their practice.
Private Yoga Teacher: Responsible for providing private yoga instruction to individuals or small groups on a one-on-one basis. Must be able to modify poses to meet the individual needs of the student and provide additional support when needed to ensure a safe and beneficial practice.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, particularly as it relates to adaptive/special needs and restorative yoga
Understanding of the therapeutic benefits of yoga for special needs and how to modify poses to meet individual needs
Ability to create individualized yoga programs for specific physical, mental and emotional conditions
Comprehensive knowledge of yoga philosophy, including the 8 Limbs of Yoga
Skills to provide adjustments and modifications to poses to ensure safety and comfort
Knowledge of how to use props and assistive devices to aid in modifications
Excellent communication and listening skills
Ability to create a compassionate, non-judgmental environment
Ability to foster an atmosphere that encourages self-expression, exploration and relaxation
Understanding of when to refer out to other professionals for more specialized care

Adaptive/Special Needs and Restorative Yoga Teachers must have exceptional patience, compassion, and an understanding of the special needs and challenges faced by their students. They must be able to create a safe and supportive environment where students can feel comfortable practicing yoga, and they must be able to modify poses or create alternative poses that are appropriate for the students' ability levels. Adaptive/Special Needs and Restorative Yoga Teachers must be able to recognize any physical or emotional limitations that the student may have, and adjust the practice accordingly.

They must also understand the connection between body, mind, and spirit, and be able to guide the student through mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques to help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. Finally, Adaptive/Special Needs and Restorative Yoga Teachers must be able to provide individualized instruction so that each student can gain maximum benefit from their practice.

Chair and Restorative Yoga Teacher, Kundalini and Restorative Yoga Teacher, and Vinyasa and Restorative Yoga Teacher are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become an Adaptive/Special Needs and Restorative Yoga Teacher?
What experience do you have in teaching adaptive/special needs and restorative yoga?
How do you create a safe, non-judgmental environment for students with disabilities?
What strategies do you use to adapt poses to meet the physical and mental needs of each student?
What techniques do you use to ensure all students feel welcome and comfortable in your classes?
What methods do you use to ensure that modifications are made in a way that honors each students abilities?
How do you ensure that the practice is accessible to everyone while still challenging and engaging?
How do you help students develop body awareness and increase their range of motion?
What steps do you take to ensure all students understand the anatomy and principles of restorative yoga?
How do you help students develop a mindful practice that goes beyond the physical aspect of yoga?

Common Tools in Industry

Yoga Blocks. Used to support poses and increase stability. (Example: Triangle Pose with Yoga Blocks)
Yoga Straps. Used to help with stretching and increase flexibility. (Example: Seated Forward Fold with Yoga Strap)
Blankets. Used to provide comfort and warmth for relaxation. (Example: Supported Child's Pose on Blanket)
Eye Pillows. Used to provide relief for the eyes during relaxation. (Example: Savasana with Eye Pillow)
Bolsters. Used to provide support for the body during poses or relaxation. (Example: Supported Reclined Twist with Bolster)
Chairs. Used to provide additional support for poses or to modify poses for those with limited mobility. (Example: Chair Yoga Warrior Pose)
Meditation Cushions. Used to provide comfort and support while sitting in meditation. (Example: Lotus Pose on Meditation Cushion)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)
Yoga Alliance
Special Yoga Network
Yoga Therapy Rx
International Association of Yoga Therapists Adaptive/Special Needs and Restorative Yoga Division
American Specialty Health
Yoga and Body Image Coalition
United for Accessible Yoga
Yoga for All Alliance
National Center for Adaptive Instruction (NCAI)

We also have Yogic Science Teacher, Yoga Consultant, and Kundalini Yoga Instructor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Adaptive Yoga. A type of yoga practice that is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. It includes modifications and props to make yoga poses more accessible for people with physical or cognitive limitations.
Special Needs Yoga. A form of yoga specifically designed for people with special needs, such as those with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other physical or mental disabilities.
Restorative Yoga. A form of yoga that focuses on relaxation, breathing and body awareness. It uses props such as bolsters, blankets and blocks to help the practitioner find comfort in the poses.
Inclusive Yoga. A type of yoga that is designed to be accessible to people of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, physical or mental limitations, or chronic illnesses.
Accessible Yoga. A type of yoga that is designed to be easily learned by anyone regardless of physical or mental limitations, chronic illnesses, or disabilities.
Universal Design Yoga. A type of yoga that is designed to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities by taking into consideration their individual physical and cognitive limitations.
Therapeutic Yoga. A type of yoga that is used as a form of physical therapy to help people with injuries or chronic illnesses. It uses therapeutic techniques such as stretching, strengthening, and relaxation to help the practitioner heal and reduce pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Adaptive/Special Needs Yoga? A1: Adaptive/Special Needs Yoga is a form of yoga that is specifically tailored to meet the needs of individuals with physical, cognitive, and/or emotional disabilities. It is designed to be accessible and inclusive for all levels of ability, and can be adapted for any disability, providing an opportunity for healing, growth and connection. Q2: What are the benefits of Restorative Yoga? A2: Restorative Yoga is a form of yoga that focuses on relaxation and stress relief. It uses gentle stretches and long holds of postures to allow the body and mind to relax and restore. Benefits of Restorative Yoga include improved circulation, increased flexibility, stress relief, improved mood, and enhanced restorative sleep. Q3: What qualifications are required to become a certified Adaptive/Special Needs Yoga Teacher? A3: To become a certified Adaptive/Special Needs Yoga Teacher, you must complete a specialized program that includes training in anatomy & physiology, ayurveda, adaptive/special needs yoga techniques, and therapeutic application. The certification program must also include a minimum of 30 hours of in-person instruction and 30 hours of independent study. Q4: How can Restorative Yoga be beneficial for people with disabilities? A4: Restorative Yoga can be beneficial for people with disabilities by providing an opportunity for relaxation, improved circulation, increased flexibility, relief from stress, improved mood, and enhanced restorative sleep. Additionally, it can help to reduce pain, fatigue, and anxiety levels. Q5: What is the importance of accessibility in Adaptive/Special Needs Yoga? A5: Accessibility is an important aspect of Adaptive/Special Needs Yoga because it ensures that students with disabilities have access to the same quality of instruction and instruction that other students receive. Accessibility in Adaptive/Special Needs Yoga involves making modifications to poses, creating accessible environments, and providing support through verbal cues and hands-on assists.