At just 24 years old, Joshuanette Francis faced a terrifying diagnosis of osteoarthritis. What followed was a journey of resilience as she hiked her native Antigua, championing the rights of disabled individuals through her organization, Good Humans 268.
Hiking for Change: Joshuanette Francis's Quest for Equality in a Challenging Society
Hiking for Change: Joshuanette Francis's Quest for Equality in a Challenging Society
A young mother with arthritis fights for the rights of disabled individuals in Antigua.
Joshuanette Francis’s life transformed dramatically when she was diagnosed with osteoarthritis at the young age of 24. Initially taken aback by the news, she felt compelled to document her journey via her YouTube channel, sharing not only her triumphs but also the hidden struggles she encountered behind closed doors. Faced with the possibility of losing her ability to walk by 40, Joshuanette dedicated herself to experiencing life fully, hiking trails and visiting all 365 beaches in Antigua.
Despite her consistent optimism, Joshuanette’s journey has not been without obstacles. Following her diagnosis, she lost her job as a restaurant supervisor—a blow that led to the loss of her mortgage and dashed dreams of home ownership. However, instead of giving in to despair, she transformed her adversity into a catalyst for change, founding Good Humans 268, a non-profit focused on advocating for the rights of those with disabilities.
Joshuanette's organization has made significant strides since its inception in 2023. One of its key projects aims to establish an equal rights tribunal to address the inequities faced by people with disabilities in Antigua. Additionally, a recycling program has successfully diverted approximately one million bottles and cans from landfills, providing employment opportunities for eight individuals with disabilities.
The impact of Good Humans extends beyond environmental efforts; it embodies a spirit of empowerment. Joshuanette has inspired many, including Kelisha Pigott, a recent recruit who reflects on how working with Joshuanette has transformed her self-belief and ambitions, prompting her to pursue a university education.
Success stories abound as Joshuanette tackles local issues, like advocating for proper toilet facilities in schools for children with mobility challenges. Her vision encompasses not just immediate interventions but also long-term societal shifts in how people with disabilities are perceived and treated. She passionately asserts that everyone deserves equal access to opportunities and facilities.
Despite her positive outlook, challenges remain for Joshuanette and others with disabilities in Antigua. Accessibility issues, such as poorly maintained public infrastructure, continue to impede mobility. Advocates like Bernard Warner stress the urgent need for enforcement of legislation designed to protect the rights of those with disabilities, which remains unfulfilled in many areas.
As she perseveres through her own battles, including a legal fight for what she believes was wrongful termination, Joshuanette understands the need for collective conversation and action to bring about change. "Mental health is crucial in disability awareness," she shares, recognizing her own moments of struggle and the importance of community support.
Through Good Humans 268, Joshuanette Francis not only hikes accessibility trails but paves the way for a more inclusive Antigua, demonstrating that resilience can inspire significant societal change.
Despite her consistent optimism, Joshuanette’s journey has not been without obstacles. Following her diagnosis, she lost her job as a restaurant supervisor—a blow that led to the loss of her mortgage and dashed dreams of home ownership. However, instead of giving in to despair, she transformed her adversity into a catalyst for change, founding Good Humans 268, a non-profit focused on advocating for the rights of those with disabilities.
Joshuanette's organization has made significant strides since its inception in 2023. One of its key projects aims to establish an equal rights tribunal to address the inequities faced by people with disabilities in Antigua. Additionally, a recycling program has successfully diverted approximately one million bottles and cans from landfills, providing employment opportunities for eight individuals with disabilities.
The impact of Good Humans extends beyond environmental efforts; it embodies a spirit of empowerment. Joshuanette has inspired many, including Kelisha Pigott, a recent recruit who reflects on how working with Joshuanette has transformed her self-belief and ambitions, prompting her to pursue a university education.
Success stories abound as Joshuanette tackles local issues, like advocating for proper toilet facilities in schools for children with mobility challenges. Her vision encompasses not just immediate interventions but also long-term societal shifts in how people with disabilities are perceived and treated. She passionately asserts that everyone deserves equal access to opportunities and facilities.
Despite her positive outlook, challenges remain for Joshuanette and others with disabilities in Antigua. Accessibility issues, such as poorly maintained public infrastructure, continue to impede mobility. Advocates like Bernard Warner stress the urgent need for enforcement of legislation designed to protect the rights of those with disabilities, which remains unfulfilled in many areas.
As she perseveres through her own battles, including a legal fight for what she believes was wrongful termination, Joshuanette understands the need for collective conversation and action to bring about change. "Mental health is crucial in disability awareness," she shares, recognizing her own moments of struggle and the importance of community support.
Through Good Humans 268, Joshuanette Francis not only hikes accessibility trails but paves the way for a more inclusive Antigua, demonstrating that resilience can inspire significant societal change.
