Get to Know: Tammy Laurent (Part 3)

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in all your years providing services to people with disabilities?

The biggest change is how people are treated—how the people we work with are treated—and the growing understanding from the broader world. There’s been progress in fostering the idea that people with disabilities aren’t scary or contagious. I remember a situation years ago, maybe at CHC, when we moved a group home a couple of streets over in Williamstown. It was “The Village Beautiful,” and we had to go before a committee at a town meeting because the neighborhood didn’t want “those people” living there. They had no idea who these people were.

There’s been growth in that area and in the medical field as well, but there’s still a lot of work to do. Progress has been made in respecting everyone, in realizing that they’re people—they’re not their disability. But there’s still a long way to go. Even people with the most severe disabilities can communicate in their own way. And gosh, they have feelings.

Language is another area of change. Over the years, I’ve learned how to use appropriate language without sounding demeaning. I still hear people use the R-word, and it grates on me. I’ll correct them, and sometimes I get backlash, but I don’t care. I tell them, “Don’t use it.” I used to say, “This man is autistic; this man is bipolar.” Now I say, “This man has autism. He has an intellectual disability.” Learning to think and speak that way took time.

Another thing about language: I have a few people on my caseload who refer to themselves as clients or refer to others with disabilities as clients. I’ve told them, “You’re not a client; you’re a person.” But I’ve learned not to insist, because that’s the term they’re comfortable with. No matter how many times I correct them, that’s their choice, and I have to respect it.

You said to me: You do not choose human services; human services chooses you.” What does that quote mean to you?

I’ve said that from day one. As a teenager, I babysat for family friends who had a daughter with developmental disabilities. I’d make her dinner and give her baths. I was at her house taking care of her when I was 17 or 18. That’s where my caregiving gene started, I guess.

People are born for this work. This field isn’t for everyone, any more than being a mathematician or a doctor is. Some people are made for their position, for their careers. And you’re miserable if you’re not doing something you’re good at and that you value. There’s nothing better than a home visit when people tell you, “You’re family. We love you. Come in.”

I have a caregiver who tells everyone I’m his sister because that’s how he views me. You can’t help but develop close relationships in this job. If you don’t have a deep bond with the people you’re working with, you can’t help them the way you should.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I have five grandchildren—they’re everything to me. Every weekend, since my first granddaughter, who’s now 15, was a week old, one of them has spent the night at our house. As the youngest two get older, they’re joining the rotation. I’ve even been known to take all five at a time!

I also enjoy yard work—not because my husband won’t do it, but because I like it. I love taking care of the lawn.

I’m an avid reader, and I like taking my mom out to do everyday things. Right now, I’m addicted to Royal Match and am almost on level 6,000. It’s mindless fun that requires just enough attention to take my mind off whatever’s bugging me. It’s like reading a trashy romance novel—though I don’t read those!

Anything I didn’t ask?

The importance of mutual respect and genuine caring among all of us {here in the Lee office}. We’re strong and committed to keeping this team solid and to providing the best care possible for everyone living in the Berkshires.