Listening Differently

About the class

"Listening Differently" is a workshop that will highlight the difficulties encountered - in yoga classes and on a daily basis - by students who hear differently in a world built around a hearing society. It will address how, as yoga teachers, we can listen differently to their needs so an accessible and inclusive class environment can be provided.

1 in 4 people in the UK aged between 18 and 80 have some degree of hearing loss in one or both ears. 1 in 3 people try to hide the fact due to a continuing stigma and misunderstanding of this invisible disability. This Hard of Hearing community are caught in a middle world between the hearing society and the Deaf community often feeling as though they have no sense of belonging. Yoga is suggested by health and wellbeing professionals as a support for those who fall into the Hard of Hearing category however, many find that they cannot access classes currently on offer mainly due to the lack of understanding of their needs.

This workshop will include the following:

*Learn why yoga is so important for supporting people living with hearing loss.

*Why students who are Hard of Hearing drop out of yoga classes or are reluctant to attend.

*Understand what it is like to have some degree of hearing loss whilst attending a yoga class, by taking part in practical activities.

*Become aware of how hearing loss impacts a person's physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

*Learn about the different types of hearing loss.

*Get practical, easy to implement tips to ensure your yoga class is accessible and inclusive to students who are Hard of Hearing.

About Laura

I am a yoga teacher. I identify as deaf and I was born this way. My deafness is genetic. My hearing loss falls under the Hard of Hearing category.

I trained with Ian Davis at the Orange Yoga School and qualified with 500 HRS in January 2025.

I currently teach a weekly gentle yoga class and work with private clients.

Yoga has helped me to embrace my Hard of Hearing identity and I have now started my journey to help other Hard of Hearing people to embrace theirs via yoga classes and in the community.

As a yoga student I know the benefits that yoga has brought to my life. I hope after this workshop you will be able to support people who are hard of hearing access the benefits too.

** Practical Bits **



Wear and bring -



Due to the nature of the Crescent Bakery building, it's ideal to wear layers of clothing for cooler / warmer fluctuations.

Bring your yoga mat and water bottle.

Cancellations -

Please note Workshops will be refunded only if we can find someone to take your place. Obviously, we will take account of exceptional circumstances. Please contact reception at studio@orangeyoga.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

** PRACTICAL BITS **

Due to the nature of the Crescent Bakery building, it's ideal to wear layers of clothing for cooler / warmer fluctuations.

If you're looking for somewhere to stay near the studio, click here for info.

Please note workshops will be refunded only if we can find someone to take your place. Obviously, we will take account of exceptional circumstances. If you have chosen to pay in instalments, payments to completion will still be due.

Please contact studio@orangeyoga.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

Studio

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