What does it really take to start teaching learning disability yoga? We caught up with Vix, a past participant on our further training for yoga teachers, to hear how the course changed the way she teaches, and how it gave her the confidence to take yoga into local day centres.

A natural fit for an SEN teaching background

Vix came to yoga teaching after working in special educational needs (SEN) education. Building self-esteem, confidence and self-regulation had always been at the heart of her teaching, especially within the learning disability community.

“When I saw the course advertised by Umbrella Yoga, I immediately knew it would be a good fit for me and my ethos and approach to yoga teaching.”

Seeing yoga through an accessibility lens

The training didn’t ask Vix to become a different teacher. Instead, it helped her share the yoga she already loved in a way that works for everyone.

“It allowed me to view yoga through an accessibility lens, providing me with the skills and confidence to adapt my teaching style to ensure it is fully inclusive for whoever comes through the door. It has also given me the skills to keep my teaching style and what yoga means to me, but share it in a more accessible way.”

Playful poses and storytelling

Asked for one skill from the course she uses in every class, Vix didn’t hesitate: being more playful. She now adds storytelling to poses and sequences, which makes them more fun and easier for students to remember from week to week.

Taking learning disability yoga into local day centres

Once she’d finished her learning disability yoga training, Vix approached local day centres to offer yoga sessions.

“The training provided me with the knowledge, skills and confidence to feel that I was able to offer classes in these settings. I would not have had the confidence to even think about teaching within this specialised setting before attending the course, so it really has been life-changing for me.”

What surprised her most

For Vix, the biggest surprise was just how adaptable and individual a yoga practice can be.

“It’s so inspiring to see students grow in confidence and ability at each practice, whilst on their own journey.”

When the training paid off: a student leads the class

Collaboration is something we talk about a lot on the course, and Vix saw its power first hand. One student was really keen to do a pose she loved, so Vix brought it into the session and invited her to demonstrate it to the rest of the group.

“It was amazing to see how proud she was in that moment.”

It’s a small moment, but it shows what person-centred yoga looks like in practice: students shaping the class, not just following it.

Support that continues after the course

Learning disability yoga training is only the start. Everyone who completes the course can join the Umbrella Yoga Professionals Network, with regular online Q&As and events, plus a peer group where teachers share ideas and questions.

“It feels like such a valuable link to a specialised community of teachers, who are so supportive of each other. The ongoing events are fabulous too, as I am continuing to learn about different health conditions and different approaches to accessible yoga.”

Who should take learning disability yoga training?

Vix’s answer is simple: every yoga teacher.

“I believe that yoga should be accessible to all, and we never know who is going to come along to one of our classes. Having the knowledge and skills to make our classes as accessible as possible allows everyone to feel included and able to access the powerful tools that yoga offers.”

Join our 2027 learning disability yoga training

Our Teaching Yoga to Adults with Learning Disabilities 2027 course is open for bookings. It’s a 30-hour, Yoga Alliance Professionals accredited further training for qualified yoga teachers, mixing in-person weekends with online sessions and real class observations.

• In person: 13 to 14 March and 15 to 16 May 2027, Waves Day Centre, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield (10 minutes’ walk from Slaithwaite station)
• Online: 29 April and 10 June 2027, 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Zoom
• What you’ll cover: adapted movement, breathwork and relaxation, mental health and the nervous system, the sensory world, teaching mixed-ability groups, applied philosophy, sound and voice, and the business side of running these classes
• Who it’s for: yoga teachers with a 200-hour qualification (YAP or equivalent)
• Price: £495, or £450 Early Bird until 30 November 2026

Early Bird places are limited. Book your place or email ellie@umbrellayoga.co.uk with any questions.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need experience of working with people with learning disabilities? No. The course is designed for qualified yoga teachers from any background. Like Vix, some come with SEN or care experience, but it isn’t required. If you’re new to the area, Mencap has clear information on what a learning disability is.

Is the course accredited? Yes. It’s accredited by Yoga Alliance Professionals, and on completion you can register as a Yoga for Adults with Learning Disabilities teacher with YAP.

Is there an assessment? There’s no homework or practical exam. You’ll attend all sessions, complete two class observations and reflect on a live class with the group. A Basic DBS check is needed before the course starts.