Every Wednesday, a group of women from The Arc of Essex County’s Ashwood, Green Avenue, and West Caldwell group homes visit Iris Yoga in Bloomfield to engage in a special class designed specifically for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The class is led by Minal, a yoga instructor with Down syndrome, whose gentle and encouraging instruction creates a nurturing environment for all participants. Taryn, one of the studio’s co-owners, brings a personal touch to the experience, as her daughter had participated in The Arc of Essex County’s Early Intervention Program.

“Our classes together are very fluid and go with whatever everybody is in the mood for,” Taryn says. “Some days we are more focused on physical practice, and other days we will talk more.”

Minal, who first visited Iris Yoga in 2022 as part of a World Down Syndrome Day class, soon decided to complete teacher training. For the last year, she has been teaching these Wednesday classes in sessions of six to eight weeks, with nearly 10 adults participating from Arc and other programs each week.

“The ladies who attend really enjoy the calm energy, physical exercises that bring them out of their comfort zone, and social aspect of the session,” says Residential Services Assistant Director Felicia Minnigan. “The session is very organized, the cleanliness of the studio is impeccable, and the staff are amazing.”

Caryn Bushko, a Green Avenue resident who participates weekly, says she looks forward to her yoga practices at Iris. “I really love it,” she says. “I’ve learned a lot.”

For additional information about The Arc of Essex County’s residential services, contact The Arc’s Senior Director of Residential Services Rebecca Lorusso via email at [email protected] or by calling (973) 535-1181 ext. 1270.