Disabled and Physiotherapy Program Kerala
Location: India
Minimum Project Duration: 2 weeks
Maximum Project Duration: 12 weeks
Support Provided
Program Manager provides detailed introduction and culture training on arrival along with an area orientation tour. A Basic background to the project and tasks to be done will be given by our coordinator. Our local coordinator conducts weekly meetings and monitors day-to-day development of the participants. There is also a dedicated coordinator at the project who assists with any issues. On site special needs teachers who speak in English will be around as well.
Details
Location of Project: You will be based in local special needs schools in the Fort Kochi and Mattancherry area. Accommodation will be within 10-15 mins by tuk-tuk from the project site.
Background to this Program: Having a child with a physical or mental disability creates negative social stigma for families in India and low income families find it very difficult to diagnose and support disabled children with the care they need. This project is best suited to volunteers with a caring and compassionate nature who are patient, hardworking and willing to offer support with a range of duties.
Volunteers work with disabled children aged between 2 and 22 years of age, in schools and care facilities, working in small groups or one-to-one care. Disabilities range from severe to mild and many of the individuals supported by the project have both mental and physical disabilities.
In addition to their disabilities, they only have a very basic understanding of English, therefore volunteers are supported and guided by passionate and expert carers at all times.
Key Points
Capacity: 2-4 at one time
Availability: All year round
Project Start & End Days: Monday
Project Work Days: Monday to Fridays (weekends are free)
Project Timing: Generally between 10am – 2pm (this is subject to change)
Extra Notes: Lunch will not be provided when on site working. Volunteers will either have to come home for a late lunch or eat at their own expense. Project Transport will not be provided and tuktuks will be at the expense of volunteers themselves.
What Volunteers do on the Project: As a volunteer on the Disabled or Physio project, you will play an important role in providing people with special needs an opportunity to learn new skills and a level of care that they otherwise would not have access to.
- As a volunteer on the Special Needs Care project, you can expect to get involved with basic sensory activities, life skills learning basic English education, physical movement, or with vocational activities. There is a significant amount of preparation expected from volunteers to plan for their lessons. The local team will help you with lesson planning, suggest topics for the lessons and provide ideas for creative ways to teach. However, planning and teaching are ultimately the responsibility of the volunteers. You are not required to have any previous experience to join this project, however any volunteers with skills or experience in special needs education and learning is welcomed.
- Physiotherapists who are joining– Most centers expect the volunteers to play with the kids, create activities for them to do and also to help with other tasks like feeding, moving and cleaning up. Volunteers may also help them during their rehabilitation and therapy exercises and assisting local therapists and special needs teachers (if experienced).
