The sibling perspective: Niko and Nikitas

By Nikitas and Niko Yannakis

This edition of Inspirations celebrates siblings and their special bonds. In the winter, we reached out to the community for volunteers who would be willing to tell us about their sibling relationships. 

My brother Niko

Niko is intrinsically part of me. Growing up, piecing together my identity and developing my character alongside my brother, who has cerebral palsy and is quadriplegic, gives form to the person I am becoming. 

Niko has taught me to widen my literacies – and to view the world through his lens. He taught me to be cognizant of accessibility – who can enter based on accommodation and who cannot. I observe this everywhere I go, and I have noticed that throughout my life, I have tended not to enter inaccessible spaces (certain stores, malls, markets, venues, etc.). This is not by explicit choice but because he is part of me, and it has been solidified in me since our youth, as we were inseparable. When we were younger, Niko would let me sit on his chair and go on many journeys. He raised me to see the world through his eyes by always being there with me. 

My brother also taught me to appreciate music. Niko is highly interested in music. He loves the radio and CDs. He used to play music on his DynaVox. I remember sitting with Niko so he could teach me how to download music onto his computer. Back home in Greece, we live atop a café bistro bar that plays music all night. During our summers there, Niko and I would spend nights on the balcony. I would lean over the ledge with my phone to Shazam songs to create a playlist. I listen to music daily because of Niko; I wake up and go to bed to it. If it were not for Niko, I would not be able to stop and enjoy the moment. 

If it were not for Niko, I would not be able to look around and observe, put on some music, and to tell the world ‘hold on.’ Niko continues to teach me that observation and appreciation of art fulfill the growing soul. 

– by Niko’s brother, Nikitas Yannakis 

From Niko to Nikitas

Niko’s mother Joanne Charron shared his thoughts with Inspirations, explaining that while Niko is non-verbal, her sons have their own language, which they interpret and communicate with others. 

Niko: I truly adore my brothers and take my role as a big brother seriously. I am very protective and proud of my brothers and any chance I get I want to show them off. My brother Nikitas takes me places I want to go and does things for me that I can’t do myself.