Clinical Volunteering Placements
Empowering PT, OT, and SLP students and professionals through life-changing exchanges with Amar Seva Sangam in India.
In-Person Clinical Placement
Since 2006, Handi-Care Intl. (HCI) has facilitated on-site clinical placements for Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology students at our partner facility, Amar Seva Sangam (ASSA), located in the rural town of Ayikudy in Tamil Nadu, India.
We have agreements with 10 Canadian universities and 1 US university, placing over 250 students and professional volunteers. Placements focus on capacity building, knowledge exchange, and sustainable interventions.
Program Length: Placements range from 6 to 12 weeks, as dictated by your university. On-campus food and accommodation are provided by ASSA.
Placement Areas (Therapy Centers)
Institution Based Rehabilitation
- Young Adults with Spinal Cord Injury (inpatient)
- Early Intervention (Ages 0-6) for developmental delays (CP, autism, speech & hearing impairments)
- Children (Ages >6) with physical and intellectual disabilities
- Special Needs School & Outpatient Rehab
Village Based Rehabilitation
- Community and Home-Based Programs
- Early Intervention (Ages 0-6) for developmental delays (CP, autism, speech & hearing impairments)
- Older youth (Ages >10) with physical and intellectual disabilities
Contributions
- Supervision: You will be supervised directly by local ASSA therapists.
- Student contribution: $400 per week of placement (tax receipts for the eligible amount will be provided after the placement begins). *Concessions are available for students demonstrating financial need.
- Professionals: No fee is charged, but donations to cover your room and board are appreciated!
Virtual Clinical Placement
Since 2020, Handi-Care Intl. has successfully facilitated remote placements for over 30 OT, PT, and SLP students from various Canadian universities. This program allows you to participate in global health initiatives right from Canada!
Students video-conference into synchronous therapy sessions with clients and lead therapists in India. You will also work asynchronously on intervention research, planning, consultation, and project work. This track focuses heavily on education, mentoring, and community development rather than direct 1-on-1 hands-on therapy.
The Setup: Students work in pairs and are assigned an Indian lead supervisor. Often, a North American support coach is assigned to help you bridge knowledge across different clinical contexts.
Key Details:
- Evaluations: Your lead supervisor in India will complete your evaluations, gathering input from your North American coach.
- Communication: WhatsApp is heavily used for daily clinical collaboration and team discussions (keeping client identities private).
- Projects: You will be assigned a specific project. Note that your project supervisor might be different from your clinical supervisor.
Orientation Manuals & Testimonials
Important Documents
Once accepted, reviewing these manuals is required. Feel free to browse them ahead of time to help guide your decision!
Hear From Past Volunteers
Learn more about what to expect straight from the students who have walked in your shoes.
Getting their / Flights
1. Flight
- Flight costs vary depending on the time of year, typically ranging from $1,200 to $2,000.
- We recommend using a travel agent, as you may be able to get better rates and additional support. You are welcome to use a local travel agent.
2. Airport Options
There are two airport options. For both options, the travel time by taxi to ASSA is approximately 3 hours.
- Fly into Trivandrum (also known as Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala.
- Fly into Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Airport pickup will be arranged by ASSA. Further details will be provided in the Orientation Manual.
Passport and Visa
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
A valid visa is required to enter India.
Please refer to the Orientation Manual for detailed information about visa requirements and the application process.
Pre-Departure and Departure
Please check the latest Guidelines for International Travel issued by the Government of India before your departure.
Ensure that you have all the required travel documents, including your passport and valid visa.
Please check the latest entry requirements and health guidelines applicable to international travellers before your scheduled travel.
Keep copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, flight tickets, and other important documents with you.
After Arrival
Airport pickup and transportation to Amar Seva Sangam (ASSA) will be arranged as per the volunteer travel arrangements.
Please follow the arrival instructions provided by ASSA and the latest Government of India health and travel guidelines.
Further information regarding your arrival, orientation, accommodation, and other procedures will be provided in the Orientation Manual.
Health and Vaccination
Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and COVID-19.
Malaria prophylaxis and Dukoral are recommended but not mandatory. Please consult your doctor or travel health clinic for advice based on your individual circumstances.
Bring any regular medications you require during your stay.
It is also recommended to carry a basic travel medical kit, including medications for common travel-related conditions and oral rehydration salts.
If you have any personal prescriptions or emergency medications, please ensure you bring an adequate supply for the duration of your stay.
Insurance
Travel medical insurance is required for all volunteers.
Your insurance should provide coverage for medical treatment, emergencies, hospitalization, and travel-related assistance during your stay in India.
