Pilates IEP

I've had the pleasure of teaching a few clients with hearing loss, and if you know me, you know my heart is always with my boys. A small part of me immediately gets excited, hoping the member knows ASL, as I dream of one day teaching fully in ASL! Unfortunately—but also fortunately—most members don’t know ASL because they experienced hearing loss later in life. Still, following along in class can be challenging due to hearing impairment.

So, I’ve decided to put my many years of experience creating Hearing Loss IEPs to use! Here’s your Pilates IEP:

1. Preferential seating: Since instructors move up and down the center aisle, choose a reformer in the middle. That way, you’re never too far away.

2. Good ear placement: Most people with hearing loss have a “better” ear. Position that ear opposite the speaker for the clearest access to the instructor’s voice.

3. Headrest positioning: When the headrest can be up, keep it up. This allows you to better see the instructor and catch visual cues.

4. Use mirrors: Following the instructor in mirrors can help you process what’s being said. Visual cues and body language are essential tools for comprehension.

5. Ask if unsure: There’s nothing an instructor can do to improve your experience that won’t also benefit the rest of the class. Your questions help everyone learn.

6. Instructors: Don’t be afraid to create signs for your students. If you’d like, I can make a short video teaching colors and numbers in ASL to support your classes.

Fun fact: According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 1 in 8 people in the U.S. (ages 12+) has some degree of hearing loss. That means it’s likely we’ll see more students needing visual and positional strategies in our classes—and a few thoughtful tweaks can make a huge difference!

Throwback to when these humans with IEPs were still figuring out how to speak up for themselves. I love being there Mom!