Volunteer Occupational Therapists needed in India

Occupational Therapy

This volunteer occupational therapy project helps children with mental disabilities in Madurai, India. We work with an educational centre that provides therapy for around 40 children.

The project is funded by parents and run with a real community atmosphere. However, there is a lot of work for a small team of staff to handle so they need help. They are also looking for physiotherapists and speech therapists.

This project is perfect for anyone qualified considering voluntary work abroad or occupational therapists on a career break.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

How can volunteer occupational therapists help in India?

What will I gain from this project?

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

What skills or qualifications do I need?

How do I apply to join this project?

How can volunteer occupational therapists help in India?

You can use your knowledge and training to help local staff as a volunteer occupational therapist. You can work on tasks such as:

• Providing treatment for children with mental disabilities, autism and cerebral palsy, including:
  • Planning, designing and implementing a schedule of activities with individuals and groups.
  • Providing sensory integration therapy using a sensory room with stimulating lights and balls.
  • Helping children with fine motor development.
• Running workshops with local staff to discuss new ideas for treatments and activities.
• Helping to provide counseling and advice to parents.

We work with Shine Educational Trust which is an educational facility for around 40 pupils. It was originally started by parents of disabled children and now it is recognized by the state government. They have a team of four qualified physiotherapists but are still in need of help in other areas.

You will be expected to work Monday to Friday for around 8 hours per day. You will agree the exact work schedule with your project supervisor on your first day in India.

This project runs all year and we are completely flexible about dates. You decide how much time you can spare and we will help you get the most out of it.

What will I gain from this project?

Occupational Therapy

This voluntary work abroad will allow you to gain experience of treatments and attitudes in the developing world. You will get to work alongside fellow professionals and share ideas. You will be challenged to work creatively with limited resources but this will help you improve your own skills too.

You can also learn about Indian life and culture by spending time in the local community. Staff and children will want to hear about your life back home and your family and friends. We call this ‘cultural exchange’ and we think it helps our volunteers gain a new perspective on life.

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

We have over 20 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in India is successful and enjoyable:

• Safe accommodation with an Indian family close to your project.
• Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.
• A member of staff to meet you at the airport when you arrive.
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
• Social events with other volunteers such as a weekend trip to a local tourist destination.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you have at least a Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy or a related subject then you are perfectly suited for this project.

Please note - while this project is aimed at occupational therapists, the institutions we work with are also looking for anyone with experience in physiotherapy and speech therapy. Please get in touch if you feel you can help in either of these areas.

Please contact us if you think your knowledge may be useful on this project but do not have the required qualifications.