Transforming Challenges into Change: Joshuanette Francis Advocates for Disability Rights

After being diagnosed with osteoarthritis at 24, Joshuanette Francis turned her adversity into a catalyst for change by founding Good Humans 268. Her nonprofit aims to champion disability rights and improve accessibility in Antigua while empowering others facing similar challenges.

Diagnosed with osteoarthritis at just 24, Joshuanette Francis has transformed her personal struggles into a powerful advocacy for disability rights in Antigua. With her YouTube channel documenting her journey, fans see her vibrant spirit but remain unaware of her private battles. Following a grim diagnosis predicting loss of mobility by age 40, Joshuanette chose to embrace life fully, hiking every nature trail and visiting all 365 beaches of her Caribbean homeland.

Yet her journey took a turn when she lost her job as a restaurant supervisor, allegedly due to her condition. This led to a cascade of challenges including foreclosure on her home, yet Joshuanette emerged resilient. In 2023, she founded the nonprofit organization, Good Humans 268, dedicated to championing the rights of those living with disabilities in a society where resources are often limited.

"I can only imagine what it must be like for someone with a major disability,” she says, highlighting the disparities in support systems. Good Humans focuses on various initiatives, including establishing an equal rights tribunal to combat discrimination and leading successful recycling programs in over 80 schools, providing jobs and repurposing waste.

Kelisha Pigott, an employee of Good Humans, underscores the organization's impact. “Joshuanette has helped me believe in myself. I applied for university because of her encouragement.” With a degree in tourism management, Kelisha hopes to expand her small travel business through collaborative efforts with Good Humans.

Milestones abound, including the creation of wheelchair-accessible facilities for schools, empowering children to participate fully and dismantling barriers to their education. Joshuanette advocates for systemic change, stating, “People with disabilities must be able to do the same things everyone else can.” She envisions expanding her recycling programs and establishing a dedicated center for Good Humans' efforts.

Dana Warner, head of Antigua's disability association, corroborates the challenges faced by disabled individuals, noting pervasive discrimination and insufficient access to resources. Despite legislative efforts, the necessary equal rights tribunal remains unestablished, leaving many without the support they need.

The ongoing struggle for improved accessibility in public spaces, illustrated by the dangerous streets of St. John's, underscores the need for heightened advocacy. Schools and local organizations, such as the Victory Centre for special needs children, collaborate with Good Humans, aiming to create clear pathways for students transitioning into the workforce.

Joshuanette maintains a hopeful outlook despite facing personal hurdles, such as unemployment and housing insecurity. “The fight for change is exhausting," she admits, “but awareness is key.” Her journey encapsulates the essence of resilience as she continues to rally support and push for a society that embraces inclusivity. Through her advocacy, Joshuanette Francis not only faces her own challenges but also ignites a movement toward a more just and equitable future for all.