GoAbroad

Disabled Care & Special Needs Volunteer Abroad

VerifiedProvider
5.0 / 5Overall Rating
2Reviews
2013Year established

Program Overview

Caring for children and adults with disabilities is one of the most rewarding and impactful forms of volunteering abroad. Through Volunteering Journeys’ Disabled Care & Special Needs Volunteer Programs, you can make a meaningful difference by offering care, compassion, and support to individuals who need it most — while gaining valuable hands-on experience in healthcare, therapy, and community engagement.

Whether you’re a student pursuing psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, education, or nursing — or simply someone with a big heart — this program provides an incredible opportunity to learn, serve, and grow.

Volunteering Journeys runs disabled care and special needs projects across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, giving you the flexibility to choose a destination that inspires you. You can join programs in India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, Peru, or South Africa, each offering unique community experiences and learning opportunities.

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Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

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Program Highlights

Experience a rewarding stay in India working with children with special needs.
Support sessions in our newly built sensory room.
Travel throughout the country and discover a rich, fascinating culture.
Broaden your professional and interpersonal skills while helping children who require support.
Volunteer under the mentoring and support of specialist professionals.

What's Included

Some Accommodation
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Cochin, India
  • Kerala, India
  • Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Cusco, Peru
  • Da nang, Vietnam
  • Phnom Penh, Cambodia
  • Galle, Sri Lanka

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
  • Winter
  • Short Term
  • Spring
  • 1-3 Months
  • After College
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Career Break / Mid-Career

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Volunteering Journeys

5.0
2 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
2
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Living Situation
5.0
Community Engagement
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Day to Day Life
4.5

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-2 of 2 reviews

Haley van den BurgNovember 2019

Communication with staff was nice

I had an incredible experience volunteering in India. I learned a lot about the special education system and what it is like to live with a disability in India, and the VJ staff was super supportive and helpful in creating effective lesson plans. I am so grateful for this experience. The house was beautiful and provided everything I needed while in India! The food was delicious. I actually don't think I ate anything that I didn't like :) I don't know how I'll survive at home without potato curry and kerala bread. I got to placement quickly and efficiently by tuktuk, however, I wish that transportation was included in the program cost (even if this means increasing the cost). When I was going to placement alone both morning and afternoon, my transportation cost was Ro: 140 per day. The cleaning was perfect, no complaints!. The staff was helpful with all issues, project related or not :) It was easy and affordable to arrange weekend trips! I loved the toddy bar experience. Everything was great and easy to arrange with the staff! Thank you!

Haley van den BurgNovember 2019

Learned so much

Dear Ridhi, Geetha, Anju, Aiswarya, and Sheetai, it is difficult to put into words what my four weeks here and all of you have meant to me. Before coming to Kerala, I could not have predicted that I would learn, how much I would grow as a person, all of the delicious food that I would eat, and all of the wonderful people I would meet. I feel so blessed to be supported and led by such a badass team of beautiful women though it all. I can't thank you enough for everything you do to keep programs running smoothly and for making Rainbow House a home away from home for all of us. I can't believe how fast my time here has gone, but I will go home with so many memories of this beautiful place to treasure. I am so grateful for you all and hope that we get to cross paths again.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Duke of Edinburgh
Gap Year Association
One World 365
World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation

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