During a recent government meeting, a passionate plea was made by a member of the special education department regarding the challenges faced by staff in Cherry Creek. The speaker highlighted the rewarding yet perilous nature of working in special education, sharing personal experiences of injuries sustained while assisting students.
The individual recounted two significant incidents from the previous year, including a serious shoulder injury and a more recent accident involving a falling bookshelf that resulted in leg injuries. These incidents not only led to medical expenses totaling $4,000 but also required legal intervention for ongoing care.
The speaker emphasized that such injuries are not isolated cases but rather common among paraprofessionals in the field. They called for improvements in workplace safety through increased staffing, enhanced training, and the establishment of consistent policies for handling workplace injuries. The appeal concluded with a request for support from the governing body to address these critical issues, underscoring the need for a safer working environment for educators dedicated to shaping young minds.