Miranda McCarthy

Adaptive Yoga Live

Miranda McCarthy is the founder of Adaptive Yoga LIVE, a non-profit organisation, which provides free adaptive yoga for people with disabilities and mobility issues. Adaptive yoga provides tailored and accessible yoga poses and modifications that can be done seated, lying down, or assisted. It's a great way for people with disabilities to engage in a physical activity that is low-impact and adaptable to their needs. During the pandemic, Miranda won the Points of Light Award from the Prime Minister for providing free online classes for the Disabled community during lockdown, to help reduce stress. Miranda, herself, has been Disabled for the last 42 years and despite multiple joint replacement surgeries and living with chronic pain, she has worked tirelessly to make the yoga culture and industry more inclusive. Adaptive Yoga LIVE has worked with charities like SCOPE and Whizz-Kidz, companies like Airbnb, government bodies, councils, and schools, providing adaptive yoga classes and workshops for both children and adults. For Miranda, being able to engage in a group exercise class without feeling limited or discouraged by her limitations was a profound experience. Additionally, joining an adaptive yoga class provided a supportive and inclusive environment where she could connect and learn from others who have similar experiences.  It became her goal to create spaces for Disabled people to connect and exchange support. Adaptive Yoga LIVE is funded in partnership with National Lottery, Sport England, and Disability Rights UK to ensure everyBODY has access to yoga.