Yoga Alliance Registry Supports Inclusivity

Most images of yoga practice in mainstream media feature photos of young practitioners at peak physical fitness and ability, often pictured effortlessly holding a difficult but graceful yoga pose. However, yoga is not just for the young and able-bodied.

Yoga Alliance Registry has consistently embraced principles of inclusivity and diversity and emphasizes the importance of making yoga accessible and welcoming to all. In the Standards, the Teaching Methodology components of registered 200-hour, 300-hour, and 500-hour teacher training programs all require that the curriculum include instruction on how to address the specific needs of individuals and special populations.

Every Registered Yoga School (RYS®) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT®) must also adhere to the Registry's Code of Conduct. The Code includes that registrants must “encourage diversity by respecting all students regardless of age, physical limitations, race, creed, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.” As a condition of registration, registrants must also agree to comply with applicable laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. For yoga teachers and schools, this means providing individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in yoga classes and yoga teacher training programs.

The Registry encourages any RYS or RYT with a special focus on provide training or instruction to individuals with disabilities to include the keyword “disabilities” in their directory profiles. The Registry’s keyword search function can be used to identify teachers and schools with an emphasis on accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

Yoga Alliance® members can learn more about offering instruction to diverse populations in these free resources for members:

• Bridging the Divide: Diversity in Yoga
• How to Tap into the Fast-Growing Senior Yoga Market
• Yoga Truly Is For Every Body
• Ten Reasons to Do Chair Yoga