With Karen Clarke, for yoga teachers and MS patients.

There are many potential students who would love to do yoga. Mainstream yoga classes often present too many obstacles for students who have limitations, impairments and even disabilities. Adaptive yoga looks at accessibility, appropriate class levels and the use of props to create safety and a meaningful experience.

While the focus is on multiple sclerosis, this skills based workshop is applicable to other student populations who need an adaptive approach.

Topics to be covered include:

   
      What is MS?
   
      Adaptive Asana
         
      Modifications for students who attend traditional yoga classes
         
      Modifications for chair and mat classes
     
      Modifications for chair only classes
   
      Class Design for students with limitations
   
      When and how to assist
   
      Private lesson how to's
   
      Practicum
       
      Community workshop for people who have MS and other health  
      challenges

Teachers who take this training will have additional knowledge, skills and confidence to assist their students and to creatively address the many different stressors and limitations that can result from having MS.
   
      Training Schedule:
         
            Saturday, October 4:  8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
         
            Sunday, October 5:  8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
         
As part of this training there will be a Free Yoga Workshop for people who have MS on Sunday morning.  People who have MS discuss their challenges and what they need in terms of a Yoga experience. Yoga teachers will have the opportunity to work one-on-one or in small group with workshop participants.

                Free Yoga Workshop for people who have MS
                    
                        Sunday, October 5, 2008
                    
                        Time:  10:00 - 12:00 noon
                    
                        Register with Lynette Coleman, Program Manager,
                        Connecticut Chapter of the NMSS
                           
                        Phone:  (860) 714-2300, ext. 238
                           
                       Email:  lcoleman@ctfightsms.org

    Registration Fee:
           $229, includes manual
           early bird discount: $209 paid in full by September 24, 2008
              
            Refund policy requests made more than 7 days prior to the
            day of the training:
               
            Payments made will be refunded in full (less a $20 processing
             fee).
         
            Refund requests made within 7 days of the first day of the
            training:
               
           75% of payments will be refunded (less $20 processing fee).
         
No refund is available if you cancel less than 24 hours in advance or on the first day of the training, if you don't show up, or if you leave the training early for any reason.
   
Scholarship:

We strive to keep the costs down.  A very limited number of partial scholarships are available depending on the number of fully paid participants.  Criteria:
               
                  Annual income of less than $20,500 for individuals and
                  $25,500 for couples.
               
                  Recipients must agree to provide a free community
                  workshop within 6 months and provide a written summary
                  of the experience to Yoga Heals Us LLC.
               
                  Recipients must pay their portion in full 10 days prior to the
                  workshop.
   
      Pre-requisite:
         
            200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification
         
            PTs, OTs, LMTs, nurses & other licensed health care
            professionals who work with clients who have MS may also
            participate.
               
             Must have a minimum one year direct yoga experience in an
            ongoing class with a certified yoga teacher.
  
      CEUs:
         
     Earns up to 15 CEUs for Yoga Alliance RYTs
   
      Accommodations:
        
            Participants are responsible for their own lodging.
               
Karen's Bio:
When Karen was introduced to yoga in 1969-70 at the age of 13, it was to a comprehensive system that focused as much on the mind as on the body.  Through twice weekly classes, often with students 2-3 times her age, Karen absorbed many of the philosophical principles and tools that shaped her views and attitudes toward life, family, commitment, purpose and much more.  In 1996, Karen was graced with the opportunity to share the gifts of yoga as a yoga teacher.  A committed student of life, in 2000 she fulfilled one of many quests by receiving her Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Psychology.  After her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 1997, Karen experienced a shift in her world view of yoga resulting in a commitment to making yoga accessible and relevant to students who need an adaptive and therapeutic approach to yoga for health and healing.  Her interest in yoga that began as a teenager, continues to grow and mature as a lifelong practice of integrating body, mind and spirit on and off the mat.