Trinidadian-American Nancy Tannis gets autistic kids involved in carnival

With a son on the Autism Spectrum, Trinidadian-American Nancy Tannis says she has been endeavoring to get autistic kids involved in the West Indian American Carnival in Brooklyn.

Tannis, who was born in Brooklyn to Trinidadian parentage, told Caribbean Life on Thursday that she is the mother of two boys, Ian, 14, who is autistic and non-verbal, and Chayse, 8.

“As a child growing up, I was very involved with Caribbean culture, whether it was playing the steel pan or participating in the Junior Carnival – both here and in Trinidad and Tobago,” she said. “A huge part of who I am today stems from the enriched cultural foundation that my family instilled in me from childhood.

“Being the parent of a child who is non-verbal and growing up in a Caribbean household, I find myself constantly trying to find ways to teach him and his brother about their heritage,” she added, stating that, for a long time, she has been “very familiar with the amazing work the Kaisokah Moko Jumbies, along with their group leader Jason Edwards, has been doing in our community,

“So, when looking for a way to reach out to families with children with disabilities, and to raise awareness and acceptance in our community, I reached out to them to participate in an autism walk,” Tannis continued.

She said that, on the day of the walk, two years ago, the remnants of Super Storm Ian prevented her and her kids from walking.

But she said Edwards and his entire team braved the elements and showed up on stilts to support a good cause.

“I knew then it was the start of something great,” said Tannis, noting that, over the years, she realized that not many children, like Ian, were participating in the Junior Carnival.

She said she thought she could “make it a more inclusive experience for children, who would  normally blend in with the spectators that line the parade route.”

Therefore, Tannis said she discussed with Edwards her dream of having a section in a mas band for children with special needs, “where all can experience the Caribbean culture in its full- form.

“From the onset, Jason was very receptive and never hesitated in moving forward with the idea,” she said. “Even in moments where it didn’t seem plausible, he was extremely reassuring.”

Last year, Tannis said “children and their parents had an unforgettable experience.

“This year, we are thrilled to be ‘Section#1 Just Watch Meh,’” she said, adding that one of the challenges children with disabilities face is “people constantly staring at them, judging  them, and even bullying  them because  they are viewed as different or not normal.

“With our presentation this year, Ian and his friends are turning the tables and reclaiming their awesomeness,” Tannis declared. “The vibrant display of colors, you can’t help but just watch.”

She said “Section#1 Just Watch Meh” will comprise 15 to 20 masqueraders, ranging from age 3-16.

Tannis said many of the masquerading families have Caribbean roots, including Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Guyana.

She said masqueraders in this section will also have access to direct support from professionals, who have volunteered to aid the masqueraders on the road throughout the day – from beginning to end.

“Embarking on this journey, my main goal is to help Ian thrive in a world that may not understand his but, at the same time, gives others the opportunity to see the world through his eyes,” Tannis said.

For more information, you can email Tannis at [email protected]