Volunteer working with people with disabilities in Guatemala.Caring for people with disabilities helps create a compassionate and nurturing environment for people with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities. In many societies around the world today, there is still a stigma associated with disabilities. In addition to issues of access and rights for people with physical disabilities, there are not enough resources to support people with mental or developmental disabilities, or education for the mainstream to understand the differences. The local organizations we work with provide services for people with disabilities and include community centers, orphanages, and daycare centers.
Share your Compassion and Inspire Others
CCS international volunteers who care for people with disabilities have an immediate impact, but also an ongoing, long-term effect within the local community. Not only do volunteers provide the necessary social interaction and personal attention that builds self-esteem and spurs development for people with disabilities, they also positively affect the staff and neighbors in the community.
As a volunteer, you are energizing the staff by working side-by-side with them, and reinforcing how important their work really is. Your presence and focus on these issues is also inspiring to community members, and provides fuel for an important local dialogue. You become part of the cycle of volunteers who, over time, increase local volunteerism and participation in centers for people with disabilities.
Examples of Volunteer Work
You can care for adults, children, and babies with disabilities in a variety of ways. Given the scope of possible disabilities, approaching each individual differently becomes important. Your assistance is much appreciated with daily routines such as feeding, cleaning, recreational activities, music or physical therapy, and exercise. While caring for people with disabilities, you can:
- Teach life skills to children with mental disabilities and counsel their parents to help them have a better chance for equal opportunities at a children’s center in China
- Develop arts & crafts projects at a center in Costa Rica where adults with disabilities come to learn income-generating skills
- Go on walks to the park with children living with developmental disabilities who have been abandoned at an orphanage in Guatemala
Volunteer abroad to care for people with disabilities and you will be sharing your love, energy, and skills with people and communities that will welcome you with open arms.
Caring for People with Disabilities placements are available in:
CCS volunteer placements are always designed with the community’s immediate requests and needs in mind. For that reason, we cannot guarantee specific volunteer placements. For more information read about our Placement Process.
