Ngoenga School Physiotherapist
Essential Care for Tibetan Children with Complex Disabilities
Ngoenga School in Dehradun is the only residential school dedicated to Tibetan children living in exile in India with severe disabilities. For many of the 46 students who live here, it is not only a school, but also a home, medical centre and place of daily care.
All the children have significant physical and/or learning disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism and complex developmental conditions. Many require lifelong support with mobility, communication and daily care.
Physiotherapy is not optional here — it is essential to the children’s comfort, health and dignity.
46
Children receiving residential care and support
Why It Matters Here
For children with severe disabilities, without regular physiotherapy, physical conditions can quickly deteriorate. Muscles tighten, joints become fixed, pain increases and mobility is further reduced.
In a residential setting where children live year-round, consistent therapeutic care is critical. It helps prevent complications, reduces pain and ensures children can participate in learning, communication and daily life with as much comfort as possible.
For many families in exile, Ngoenga is the only place where this level of specialist care is available.
"Each student has different kinds of disabilities and limitations, even though they may have the same condition, the physical therapists differentiate and treat each student according to their specific needs, followed by regular monitoring."
Staff member
Daily Physiotherapy That Changes Lives
The physiotherapy team provides tailored daily care for each child based on their individual needs and abilities.
Therapy focuses on movement, posture, strength and pain reduction, helping children maintain comfort and mobility while reducing the risk of long-term complications. Physiotherapists also fit and maintain wheelchairs, walkers and supportive equipment, ensuring children have the support they need each day. With 46 children requiring ongoing and often intensive care, two physiotherapists are essential to provide consistent treatment, respond to changing needs and support caregivers and teachers with specialist guidance throughout the day.
The Difference It Makes
Physiotherapy transforms daily life for children with severe disabilities.
Improved posture can help a child sit comfortably in class and engage more fully with learning and interaction. Reduced stiffness and pain can improve sleep, wellbeing and overall comfort, while increased mobility and support help children participate more fully in everyday life.
This care also supports teachers and caregivers, helping ensure children are cared for safely, consistently and with dignity in every part of their daily routine. It also gives children greater comfort, confidence and opportunity to take part in school and community life.
Be part of their story
Ngoenga School was founded on a simple but powerful belief: that children with disabilities deserve not only care, but dignity, comfort and opportunity.
Funding one physiotherapist ensures that this belief continues in practice — supporting daily therapy, preventing deterioration, and improving the quality of life for some of the most vulnerable Tibetan children in exile.
£58
Could help provide specialist physiotherapy support for children with severe disabilities, helping improve comfort, mobility and quality of life.
