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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

India

country

1-18 Weeks

duration

from $301

price

18 years+

min age

Highlights

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

Volunteers working under the Special Needs Care and Support Program in India serve at organizations helping the mentally challenged, children with multiple disabilities and autistic children. Volunteers can help out in a range of activities at the project.

About the Project

The project is dedicated to serving children with disabilities, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. They strive to provide comprehensive programs and services tailored to meet the unique needs of these children and support their overall development. The project initiatives include access to medical care, specialized rehabilitation services, vocational training, educational support, and social integration programs. It operates on the principle of inclusivity and non-discrimination, ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, receive the care and support they deserve. Our services are primarily targeted towards children from financially vulnerable families, and we aim to reach as many children as possible through our outreach efforts.

The following activity and programs are conducted at the project –

Rehabilitation of children with disabilities
Occupational Therapy
Special Education
Skill Development Training
Physiotherapy Department
Speech and Audiology Department
Music, dance and drama
Education support

Want to see other ways to make an impact? Check out our Volunteer in Asia programs.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

There is a different range of activities for the volunteers to extend their helping hand under this program. This includes work such as;

Assisting the staff with routine duties
Help in improving the effectiveness of the staff
Teach specialized skills to students
Create new and innovative ways to make children participate in various activities
Spend time with these children to provide them love, affection, and care which they need the most
Participants with specialized skills such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy can contribute towards those roles

Requirements & eligibility

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Volunteers with experience in special education would have an added advantage. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report.

Volunteer work schedule

A typical day

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;

Sunday: Arrival in Delhi
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.
Tue to Fri: Volunteer work
Breakfast – 9am onwards
Working hours at the placement – 10:00 am (volunteers leave the accommodation by 09:30 am) to 04:00 pm
Lunch – anywhere between 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm (volunteers have to manage lunch on their own expense)
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.

Gallery

Life on the programme

Living

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.

Dates

Start dates

Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.

AvailableFilling fastFully booked

Costs

Program fees by duration Currency

A one-off application fee ($249 / £179 / €229 / AU$350) is charged in addition to the program fee — valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.

Duration	Program fee
1 week	$301
2 weeks	$415
3 weeks	$595
4 weeks	$770
5 weeks	$968
6 weeks	$1,166
7 weeks	$1,364
8 weeks	$1,563
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

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Application & getting started

When should I apply?

Apply as soon as your dates are decided — spots are limited. The application fee is valid for a full year, so you can apply early to secure your place.

How do I apply and when do I pay?

Fill in the online application form and pay the application fee. The program fee can be paid later, even in instalments, but must be complete 45 days before the program starts.

What are the requirements?

Participants must usually be at least 17 (families welcome with younger children), with an open mind, good health and respect for local customs. A clear criminal background check is required from all adults.

Accommodation, meals & support

Where will I stay and what about food?

You stay in a volunteer house or with a host family, with meals provided. Private-room upgrades are usually available.

Is there support while I'm there?

Yes — a local coordinator gives you an orientation on arrival and is available 24/7 throughout your placement.

Health, safety & visa

Do I need insurance and vaccinations?

Valid travel-medical insurance is mandatory (available from us at a nominal cost). Consult your travel doctor for recommended vaccinations; your pre-departure pack covers the details.

Do you help with the visa?

Yes — all enrolled participants get visa-requirement information in the pre-departure manual, and your point of contact can answer questions.

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