In brief
After being diagnosed with osteoarthritis at 24, Joshuanette Francis empowers others and champions disability rights through her non-profit, Good Humans 268.
Joshuanette Francis, diagnosed with osteoarthritis at just 24, is on a mission—not just to conquer her own physical struggles, but to forge a path for others living with disabilities in Antigua. While subscribers to her YouTube channel may see her optimistic demeanor as she explores the island's trails, they remain unaware of the challenges she faced in her personal life, particularly after losing her job, mortgage, and dreams of homeownership due to her condition.Not one to succumb to despair, Joshuanette founded Good Humans 268 in 2023, a non-profit dedicated to advocating for the rights of disabled individuals in a country where inequality is pronounced. By pushing for the creation of an equal rights tribunal and initiating a recycling program that provides jobs for locals with disabilities, her organization aims to create opportunities and elevate consciousness within her community. Joshuanette's initiative has already yielded significant results, diverting nearly a million recyclable containers from waste dumps, while employing individuals new to the workforce, like Kelisha Pigott. Kelisha credits Joshuanette for bolstering her self-esteem and motivating her to pursue higher education in tourism management.Through personal endeavors, Joshuanette has also tackled specific problems, such as upgrading facilities to accommodate students with disabilities. "People with disabilities must be able to do the same things everyone else can," Joshuanette asserts, highlighting the need for a change in societal norms and perceptions.Despite her resolve, she acknowledges the hurdles ahead. Issues like poorly maintained infrastructures, which impede accessibility for many PWDs (Persons With Disabilities), remain daunting. Activists like Bernard Warner and Kelly Hedges echo her sentiments, stressing society must work harder to integrate individuals with disabilities into the workforce and public life.As Joshuanette continues to advocate for crucial changes, including mental health awareness, she fights not just for herself but for the thousands of others who experience the same struggles. "Fighting is exhausting," she admits, "but change will only occur when we amplify our voices for disability rights.”
