When Unique Robinson, a paraprofessional at Edward R. Murrow HS in Midwood, Brooklyn, learned she would be assisting a paraplegic student with toileting this school year, she felt nervous. The school hadn’t had a student with that need for 15 years, and Robinson had never done toileting work before. Worse, the only changing table was low to the ground with no way to adjust its height.

“I was having back pain from bending down so low,” Robinson said. “And seeing me uncomfortable didn’t make the student feel comfortable.”

Realizing the setup wasn’t safe for anyone, Robinson turned to her paraprofessional representative, Shrella Henegan.

“The table was much too low,” said Henegan. “She was at times getting on her knees to change the student. I said, ‘No, no, no – that’s not happening!’”

Henegan brought the issue to the attention of the school chapter leader, Terrain Chambers Reeves, who suggested a conversation with administrators. They looped in their UFT district representative and the union’s health and safety team, who recommended an adjustable changing table. It arrived just two days later, along with a hospital gown, gloves, wipes, changing paper, disinfecting wipes and sanitizer.

“I was extremely surprised by how quickly we got the new table,” said Robinson, who had raised the issue less than a week earlier. “The new equipment has supported us immensely.”

Throughout the episode, the team sought advice from Elaine Lin, the physical therapist at the school. She had recommended purchasing an adjustable, motorized table. But once it arrived, she noticed its lowest setting was too high for the student to transfer from her wheelchair on her own. “I said, ‘Let’s try a slant board. The student is very strong, and she can transfer herself,’” Lin said.

The slant board proved an ideal solution — allowing the student her independence and relieving the physical strain on the three paraprofessionals who assist her.

The change has improved the safety and comfort for everyone, Robinson said. “Everyone is not built the same, and it’s very important to have different tools to help the students and keep ourselves safe,” she said.

Reeves credited the paraprofessionals’ expertise and advocacy for the quick resolution. “If we don’t ask paraprofessionals for input, we make mistakes,” said Reeves. “They know their students’ nuances and quirks.”

Reeves praised Henegan for leading the effort. “Amazing is not the word to describe her — she’s beyond that,” Reeves said.

Henegan, in turn, credited the collaboration among everyone involved. “I look at this building as a ship,” she said. “All hands need to be on deck. We’ll either sink or float, and I prefer we float.”