Inclusive Yoga for All
Yoga Journal US|Summer 2022
A Down syndrome diagnosis set this family on a path to make yoga accessible to everyone.
By Jessica Parsons and Sue Anne Parsons
Inclusive Yoga for All

Sue Anne Parsons: I started the first yoga studio in Santa Barbara in 1986. Three years later, Jim came in for a yoga class. We fell in love, got married later that year, and have been teaching yoga together ever since. Jim had two children, Janelle and Jeremy, and yoga naturally became a part of our family's life. When I got pregnant with Lauren, we offered prenatal yoga. As our children got older, we started teaching kids' yoga classes. The demand for yoga increased, and we needed teachers, so we started teacher trainings. Everything just grew organically and magically. As our lives blossomed, so did our practice.

In 1992, our twins, Emily and Jessica, were born. When we were told that Jessica had Down syndrome, it set us on a journey that we didn't expect. We had no clue what was ahead. For the first year, we were in a fog, navigating all the emotions, challenges, and resources.

YOGA FROM BIRTH

When Jessica was born, some professionals who specialize in children with disabilities told us that her Down syndrome would limit what we could expect of her. Thankfully, there were also encouraging teachers, therapists, and caregivers who helped us realize what she could learn and achieve.

We were part of an early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities-and it made a huge difference for us. Because of the program, Jessica was able to work with physical, occupational, and speech therapists.

One of her physical therapists told us that Jessica had hypermobility and low muscle tone, so we would need to help build her strength. The exercises the therapist gave us were similar to yoga. So Jessica started doing yoga when she was a baby.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM YOGA JOURNAL USView all
Learning to Hear the Voice of Self-Care
Yoga Journal US

Learning to Hear the Voice of Self-Care

How to discern what really matters.

time-read
6 mins  |
Summer 2022
Inclusive Yoga for All
Yoga Journal US

Inclusive Yoga for All

A Down syndrome diagnosis set this family on a path to make yoga accessible to everyone.

time-read
4 mins  |
Summer 2022
For the Joy of Practice
Yoga Journal US

For the Joy of Practice

Doing yoga without attachment to the outcome can bring unexpected gifts.

time-read
4 mins  |
Summer 2022
Be Kind to Your Spine
Yoga Journal US

Be Kind to Your Spine

Your vertebral column is a series of complex, interconnecting parts that support your every movement. Here's how to keep it safe.

time-read
5 mins  |
Summer 2022
A Skeptic of Chakra Balancing
Yoga Journal US

A Skeptic of Chakra Balancing

The experience helped me make peace with things that can't be explained.

time-read
6 mins  |
Summer 2022
Are We Having Fun Yet?
Yoga Journal US

Are We Having Fun Yet?

Bring play back into your practice with three styles of yoga that can get you out of your head and bring a smile to your face.

time-read
9 mins  |
Summer 2022
12 Ways to Use Blocks You've Probably Never Tried Before
Yoga Journal US

12 Ways to Use Blocks You've Probably Never Tried Before

The beauty of blocks? They not only meet you where you are in your practice, they take you beyond where you ever thought you could go.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Summer 2022
THE SCIENCE OF AWE
Yoga Journal US

THE SCIENCE OF AWE

THOSE MOMENTS IN LIFE THAT STOP YOU IN YOUR TRACKS IN ASTONISHMENT? RESEARCH SAYS EXPERIENCING MORE OF THEM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

time-read
8 mins  |
Summer 2022
What Your Doshas Say About Your Dharma
Yoga Journal US

What Your Doshas Say About Your Dharma

Ayurveda can explain so much more than what's out of balance.

time-read
4 mins  |
Summer 2022
The Future of Yoga
Yoga Journal US

The Future of Yoga

Yoga has been evolving for thousands of yearsfrom a mind-and-body spiritual practice to a billion-dollar "lifestyle" practice. What's next? We asked futurists, teachers, and thinkers what to expect in the next decade and beyond.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Summer 2022