For those of you Special Needs Parents and Caregivers who are curious and considering taking part in our Special Needs Yoga, here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
Who participates in Special Needs Yoga?
Special Needs Yoga is geared primarily toward the child or young adult who has special needs. However, since this activity is new for the majority of us, we are asking parents and caregivers to join in with the child/young adult to participate until the child/young adult is comfortable to do so on his own.
Where is it held?
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are unable to meet in person right now. Until it is safe to do so, we are meeting virtually via Zoom. The Zoom Link is posted on Autism Belize Facebook Page and on Instagram every Friday.
How long is the class?
Recognizing that this is new for most of our children/young adults and also that there are limitations doing the class via Zoom, we are keeping the sessions to no more than approximately 15 minutes, until the children/young adults are more comfortable and then the goal is to slowly extend the time of the class. For now, we are just trying to engage and introduce special needs yoga to our children/young adults.
Who is the instructor?
Rachael Roe (@BelizeYogaMom) is an Autism Belize Champion who reached out and volunteered her services to work with our special needs kiddos. She is originally from Denver and she moved to Belize in 2012. She has been practicing yoga for 15 years, and became a certified yoga teacher last year. During COVID, she had some free time and decided to do something she has always wanted to do. She got certified as a yoga instructor for Children with Special Needs, with an emphasis in Yoga for Autism. She is patient and understanding and so willing to work with our kiddos.
Why should we participate in Special Needs Yoga?
Yoga can help children learn to quiet their mind, find peace within, and regulate their emotions. We know many of our kiddos are hyper, have limited attention span and/or have issues with Zoom classes, but slowly, with patience and practice we are hoping to gain their attention, engage them in a fun class, and possibly teach them ways to regulate their emotions. Special Needs Yoga also offers a group activity, and since we are doing this via Zoom right now, it gives them more exposure to this platform so that they may get used to it and it might eventually help with online learning and help them engage in other similar activities. We just need to give this an honest effort, keep at it since repetition is key, and never underestimate our children and young adult’s capabilities. They really can and do surprise us.
When is the class held?
For now, and as long as there is interest from our community, we will be doing this every Saturday morning at 10:00am. All special needs families are welcome to attend.
What is the cost?
It is free.
If you have any other questions or concerns, or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at Autism Belize.
