by Jennifer Kagan, Certified Iyengar Teacher & Certified RID Interpreter
JenKagan.net

I have been a certified sign language interpreter for over 10 years. I started studying yoga as soon as I began to experience repetitive strain from my job. Not only did yoga address the physical strains of interpreting, but also helped with the mental strains during and after the job. Over the years, my interest in yoga grew until it took over my life. I am now a certified Iyengar yoga teacher — not an easy task, but the most fulfilling adventure in my life.

It wasn’t until learning the Iyengar method that I realized I could bring this to the Deaf community. Yes, I realize, a lofty goal. There are less than 20 yoga teachers who teach in American Sign Language.

Some students might feel comfortable going to a hearing class and the teacher can make some simple adjustments to accommodate the student.
But, as my students tell me, nothing compares to getting instruction in one’s own language.

Adapting my classes to Deaf students has been, on one hand, easy because I teach all my other classes with visual demonstration and scaffolding skills. The challenge lies in shifting my paradigm to bring yoga to a group of students who experience learning 100% visually. My job is, in actuality, very minor. I simply open the door with instruction in their language and a class organized for a person who experiences learning visually, and then the yoga does its magic.

It’s been a thrill to see students embark on self exploration and enjoy the benefits of yoga. I’m grateful to have a group of passionate learners who are ignited by the power of yoga, and who challenge me to become a better teacher.

My goal is that one of my students decides to take the path to become a yoga teacher because, in the end, that student’s experience and practice will influence how yoga is learned by and taught to Deaf students.

In the meantime, I remain committed to further advancing my skills and knowledge through practice and training so that I can bring the best possible teaching to my students.

JEN KAGAN is a Certified Iyengar teacher and a Certified RID interpreter. She studies at the Iyengar Institute of NY and travels to India to study with the Iyengar family. It is her aim to bring her knowledge of yoga directly to the Deaf community. You can learn more about Jen at JenKagan.net »

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