ABOUT US

 

 

 

OUR PURPOSE

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Yoga for All Abilities® is dedicated to making Yoga accessible, meaningful, and empowering for individuals of all abilities. Rooted in compassion, respect, and decades of lived experience, our work supports children, adults, families, and professionals in discovering new pathways for growth, connection, and well‑being.

 
OUR MISSION & VISION 

• Mission

  • To offer high‑quality, inclusive Yoga education that honors each individual’s unique needs and abilities, while fostering confidence, independence, and joy.

• Vision​

  • A world where people of all abilities are supported, included, and empowered through mindful movement, breath, and connection.

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WHAT WE DO

Programs & Services:

• Yoga programs for children and adults with additional needs

• Professional training and certification in the Sonia Sumar Method®

• Workshops for parents, educators, therapists, and healthcare professionals

• Continuing education and community support

•  A global network of inclusive Yoga practitioners

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OUR APPROACH

The Sonia Sumar Method®
A gentle, structured, and deeply individualized approach that blends classical Yoga with developmental principles and decades of hands‑on experience.

Supports:

• Motor development

• Cognitive and language skills

• Emotional regulation

• Sensory processing

• Confidence and independence

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OUR STORY 

Yoga for All Abilities® began in Brazil in the early 1970s, when founder Sonia Sumar introduced Yoga to her daughter, Roberta, who was born with Down Syndrome. The remarkable progress she witnessed sparked a lifetime of study, innovation, and teaching. What began as a mother’s devotion grew into a global movement that has touched thousands of families across continents.

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MEET THE FOUNDER

Founder: Sonia Sumar

A pioneer in adaptive and therapeutic Yoga, Sonia has dedicated more than five decades to supporting children and adults with additional needs. Her work began with her daughter, Roberta, and grew into the internationally recognized Sonia Sumar Method®. Sonia is an educator, author, and global trainer whose teachings have reached families and professionals across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and India. She continues to teach and train from her home in Florida.

Co‑Owner: Renata Sumar Gaertner

Renata is an educator, program developer, and co‑owner of Yoga for All Abilities® in the United States. Raised within the heart of the method, she brings a deep understanding of its lineage and a passion for expanding its reach. Now based in Seattle, Renata is dedicated to developing the Sonia Sumar Method® in the Pacific Northwest and to supporting families, teachers, and community partners in creating inclusive Yoga spaces.

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OUR VALUES:

• Inclusivity

• Compassion

• Respect

• Empowerment

• Integrity

• Lineage & tradition

• Lifelong learning

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​Ready to join our community?
Explore our trainings, connect with our team, or discover how the Sonia Sumar Method® can support you or your loved ones.

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