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Special Needs Care and Support
Volunteer in India for disabled care to help mentally challenged, children with multiple disabilities and autistic children. assisting the local staff, working for skill development
In Delhi, you volunteer at a special education center, a skill development center, or an autism center, depending on placement need. Day to day you assist local staff with routine care, help teach specialized skills, run activity sessions for children with disabilities, and spend time with the children to give them attention and company. The program suits volunteers aged 18 and over who are comfortable in a hands-on support role; prior special-education experience is an advantage but not required.
Placements run 1–18 weeks, with a new intake twice a month (sundays), next start 4 Oct 2026. You stay in a hostel in South Delhi, a five-minute walk from a metro station, with breakfast and dinner provided at the hostel Monday to Saturday. Prices start at $550, deposit included. Weekends are free, and many volunteers use them for trips to Agra to see the Taj Mahal or other getaways from Delhi.
- An opportunity to volunteer in a Special Education Center, Skill Development Center and an Autism Center
- Responsibilities include assisting the local staff, taking care of children, teaching them and working for skill development/enhancement
- Engage deeply with all stakeholders (such as parents and family of children) for the betterment of the beneficiaries
- Explore the city and travel around during weekends
- Take weekend trips to Agra to visit the world famous Taj Mahal, and other famous weekend getaways from Delhi
Your role on this program
- Assist local staff with routine duties at the special education, skill development, or autism center
- Help improve the effectiveness of staff by supporting daily classroom and care routines
- Teach specialized skills to students as part of skill development sessions
- Create new and innovative activities to encourage children to participate
- Spend time with children, giving them attention, company, and encouragement
- Engage with parents and family members of children to support the child's overall care
- Contribute in occupational therapy or physiotherapy activities if you hold relevant qualifications
Exact duties vary with the placement's needs, the season and your experience.
Role boundaries
You work alongside and under the direction of trained local staff and are never left in sole charge of a child. You do not provide therapy, medical care, or clinical treatment unless you hold a relevant qualification stated at booking; duties may vary with the placement's needs.
A typical day and week
Volunteers joining the disabled care program in India are required to follow a basic routine on a daily basis. This covers everything from meals to volunteer work and back. It must be noted that every placement functions at a different pace and on separate timelines making the schedule slightly differ at times. A generic daily schedule for volunteers is as follows;
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Sunday: Arrival in Delhi
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Monday: Orientation + neighborhood familiarization tour. The orientation session will be conducted by the local coordinator, covering topic areas; such as safety, culture, language, places to visit, behavior, food, and other suggestion over things to do in Delhi. Those who chose the Language and Orientation Week will carry on with the same for the entire, rest of the volunteers will begin their volunteer work from Tuesday.
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Tue to Fri: Volunteer work
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Breakfast – 9am onwards
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Working hours at the placement – 10:00 am (volunteers leave the accommodation by 09:30 am) to 04:00 pm
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Lunch – anywhere between 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm (volunteers have to manage lunch on their own expense)
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Dinner – 7pm onwards
The same volunteer work schedule continues from the second week onwards.
Weekends: Free to explore the city (No meal is provided on Sunday, as volunteers are encouraged to try the local cuisines.)
Note: Please note, the schedule may vary depending on the particular project the volunteer is participating on.
Timings are the placement's usual pattern; the local team confirms your hours at orientation, and they can change with school terms, clinic rotas, weather and the project's needs.
Who can join and what you need
- Minimum age 18
- Special-education experience is an advantage but not required
- Open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new environment
- Fit and healthy at the time of joining the program
- No criminal convictions; a clean background check report issued within 12 months of the start date
- Travel and medical insurance, either your own policy or the one arranged through the program
The placement, its limits and your part in it
The placement is a special education, skill development, or autism center in Delhi that supports children with disabilities, largely from economically disadvantaged families. Local staff run the day-to-day programs, including therapy, education, and vocational activities, and volunteers are brought in to support that existing structure rather than to lead it.
You work under the supervision of local staff at all times and are never placed in sole charge of a child. Any therapy or medical task stays with qualified staff unless you yourself hold the relevant qualification. Your contribution is additional attention, activity support, and extra hands for staff during the day; it does not replace professional care or therapy already in place at the center.
Our standards
- Responsible volunteer travel policyHow we choose, run and review every project
- Safeguarding policyBackground checks, supervision and our code of conduct with children
- Child & vulnerable adult protectionThe rules every volunteer follows on placement
- Certified B CorporationSocial and environmental performance verified by B Lab
- How we volunteer responsibly in IndiaCountry-level partner context and standards
Start dates
Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.
Program fees by duration
Prices include your $249 booking deposit — which is deducted from your total program fee. Your deposit stays valid for one year, during which you may enroll in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.
| Duration | Total price | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | $550 | |
| 2 weeks | $664 | |
| 3 weeks | $844 | |
| 4 weeks | $1,019 | |
| 5 weeks | $1,217 | |
| 6 weeks | $1,415 | |
| 7 weeks | $1,613 | |
| 8 weeks | $1,812 | |
| Each additional week | +$199 / week |
Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.
✓ What you're paying for
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from staff
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
- Pick up from the airport
- Orientation
- Food (2 times a day from Mon – Sat)
- Accommodation
- Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
Not included
- Airfare
- Return Trip to Airport (Can be arranged at extra cost)
- Local Transportation
- Visa Fees
- Vaccinations
Accommodation & meals
Airport Transfer
Upon arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, volunteers will be greeted by a member of the local coordinating team in Delhi. Scheduled pickup services are available between 8am and 8pm on the program start date. Participants who are already in the country or arriving early can also be picked up from a predetermined meeting point. If you arrive outside scheduled pickup hours, we can arrange for pickup at extra charges.
Accommodations
Participants in Delhi are provided accommodation at a conveniently located hostel in South Delhi. Located at just a five-minute walk from a Metro station in South Delhi, the hostel offers easy access to iconic landmarks like the Lotus Temple and Khan market.
The hostel has spacious dormitories and private rooms that are perfect for a cozy stay. Whether you’re lounging in our cozy common area or enjoying a hearty meal at our in-house cafe, every aspect of your stay is designed for comfort and convenience. Additionally, the hostel has an open outdoor area, which is ideal for connecting with fellow travelers.
All rooms in the hostel are air conditioned. While bedding is provided, you should bring your own towels and toiletries.
Upgrades to private single or double rooms are available at extra charges.
Orientation
A comprehensive half-day orientation session will be conducted by our staff on the day following your arrival. The orientation covers essential topics such as culture, greetings, locations, transportation, and other details outlined in your trip itinerary.
Meals
Renowned worldwide for its diverse flavors, Indian cuisine takes center stage during your volunteering experience. Indian vegetarian meals will be provided at the hostel itself.
Free Time Activities
During their free time, volunteers are encouraged to explore local markets, heritage monuments and dine at different restaurants in Delhi to savor the rich variety of Indian cuisines. Delhi has a lot to offer and there are plenty of things to do and see in the bustling capital city.
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Life on the program
Getting there and who looks after you in India
Airport pickup
You are met at Indira Gandhi International Airport by a member of the local coordinating team. Scheduled pickup runs between 8am and 8pm on your program start date; outside those hours, pickup can be arranged at extra cost.
First night
You settle into the hostel in South Delhi, with dinner provided that evening. Rooms are air conditioned and bedding is supplied, though you should bring your own towels and toiletries.
Orientation
A half-day orientation is held the day after arrival, run by the local coordinator, covering safety, culture, language basics, food, and things to do in Delhi.
First project day
Volunteer work begins on Tuesday. You leave the hostel by 9:30am after breakfast and are at the placement from 10am to 4pm.
Ongoing support
The local coordinating team provides a 24-hour emergency contact throughout your stay.
From volunteers in India
Frequently asked questions
What will I actually be doing at the placement?
You assist local staff at a special education, skill development, or autism center in Delhi, helping with routine care, teaching specialized skills, running activities, and spending time with the children.
Do I need special education experience to join?
No, but experience in special education is considered an advantage; the program is open to anyone 18 or older with a flexible, hands-on attitude.
What does a typical working day look like?
Volunteer work runs Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, with breakfast around 9am, lunch arranged at your own expense between placements, and dinner from 7pm at the hostel.
How long can I volunteer for and when can I start?
Placements run 1–18 weeks, with new intakes twice a month (sundays); the next start date is 4 Oct 2026.
What does the program cost and what is included?
Programs start at $550, deposit included; the fee covers airport pickup, accommodation, two meals a day Monday to Saturday, orientation, and 24-hour local support. The $249 deposit counts toward your total and is refunded if no placement can be offered.
Where do I stay and what meals are provided?
You stay in a hostel in South Delhi, a five-minute walk from the metro, in dormitory or private rooms with air conditioning; breakfast and dinner are provided at the hostel Monday to Saturday, and Sundays are left free for you to try local food.
How does airport pickup work?
You are met at Indira Gandhi International Airport by the local coordinating team, with scheduled pickup between 8am and 8pm on your start date; outside those hours, pickup can be arranged for an extra charge.
What support is available once I am on the ground?
The local coordinating team runs your orientation on your first full day and provides a 24-hour emergency contact for the length of your placement.
Do I need a visa, vaccinations, or insurance?
Visa fees and vaccinations are not included and are your responsibility; travel and medical insurance is compulsory, either your own policy or the one arranged through the program. Detailed guidance is sent in your pre-departure information.
Will I be left alone with children or asked to provide therapy?
No, you work under the supervision of trained local staff at all times and are never in sole charge of a child; therapy and medical care remain with qualified staff unless you hold the relevant qualification yourself.
Is a background check required?
Yes, a clean criminal background check report issued within 12 months of your start date is required for this placement, since it involves working with children.
Who is this program a good fit for?
It suits volunteers aged 18 and older who want a structured, supervised role supporting children with disabilities, and who are comfortable with a hostel stay and a Monday-to-Saturday meal plan.
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