Special Needs Volunteer Abroad Programs
Are you a patient and compassionate person looking to provide support for people living with mental and physical disabilities? International Volunteer HQ has a wide range of Special Needs and Special Education volunteer opportunities that cater to solo travelers, students, pre-meds, healthcare professionals, physiotherapists and more.
IVHQ offers affordable and life-enriching Special Needs volunteering programs across Africa, Europe, Asia, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and the Pacific.
As a Special Needs volunteer, you’ll work in special needs centres and schools supporting a range of tasks, including feeding, physical therapy, education, vocational skills development and recreation, as well as helping maintain the facilities.
- Choose from 18 Special Needs Care programs across 17 destinations worldwide
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Volunteer alongside Special Education staff in centres and schools
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Promote better health and wellbeing outcomes for disabled people
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Gain valuable healthcare, teaching and physical therapy career experience
Why do Special Needs volunteering with IVHQ?
What to expect from Special Needs volunteering abroad
IVHQ has a range of Special Needs volunteer programs, so whether you’re looking for practical career experience, special education volunteer opportunities or you simply want to spread joy to those with disabilities, we have a program suited to your goals.
While specific work varies by location, the objective of your role is to work closely alongside the school or centre staff to promote better health and wellbeing outcomes while engaging in a cross-cultural learning exchange with the people you are working with and caring for.
If you love working with youth, you can provide personalised support for disabled babies and children on our Special Needs Care program in Guatemala. For those passionate about special education volunteering, join our Special Education program in Jamaica - a unique opportunity to provide targeted educational support within local schools.
Best Special Needs Care volunteer opportunities abroad
Showing 12 of 18 projects
Why volunteer for Special Needs abroad?
For those living with disabilities, getting access to individual care is extremely important. Oftentimes, those in under-resourced communities aren’t able to get the support they need.
As a Special Needs volunteer, you’ll supplement the important work done by local staff and provide extra care, attention and connection for people with disabilities. This is a unique way to add value to a local community while gaining practical experience volunteering with disabled people. Your time and energy will directly support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals #3: Good Health and Wellbeing and #10: Reduced Inequalities.
IVHQ’s Special Needs programs are available year-round and are well suited to caring, compassionate volunteers who want to help those who face physical and mental disabilities.
Read reviews from IVHQ volunteers
”SO MANY AMAZING MOMENTS.. I was able to see a young girl who had lost her legs in a house fire walk home from school for the first time in her life using her new prosthetic legs.. That was amazing. My time in Kenya was some of the best months of my life. I felt joy, love, and compassion stronger then ever before. I've been gone from Kenya for 3 days now and I have already begun planning for my next trip back later on this year!”
Georgia Barron, Canadian, 20
Special Needs Care volunteer in Kenya
