Special Needs Support in Madrid

I volunteered for 2 weeks in Madrid and it was amazing. The support from the IVHQ volunteer house were always ready to answer questions we had about the volunteer program and the city. This experience was unique because I got the opportunity to be placed in two different programs. I was open to whatever the program needed me to do and that helped me understand the lives of the individuals at the program. It was tough at the beginning because I did not know any Spanish, but I did not let that bring me down. I learnt a little to just get by with communication using the Google translate app. I highly recommend it. Don't get intimidated by the language barrier. Such things are opportunities to learn, so be open to learning. Working with the elderly and individuals with Autism showed another side to life that I wouldn't have experienced unless I volunteered to do so. Making friends were not hard as everyone has the same goal for the weeks that you volunteer. I had no expectation from this program and trip and that brought out an amazing learning experience which I highly recommend to all.
Tips- Use Google translate for languages, the metro and the bus app to get around madrid.
I also got the under 25 metro bus card, and that saved me loads on transportation!
Travel outside Madrid during the weekend to places like Toledo or Segovia. It is worth it!