Joshuanette Francis: An Advocate for Change in the Face of Adversity

Diagnosed with osteoarthritis at only 24, Joshuanette Francis embarked on a mission not just to embrace life, but to ignite change in a society rife with inequality. Her YouTube channel showcases her journey, though her struggles behind closed doors often remain unseen. Faced with the daunting prospect of losing her ability to walk by 40, she committed herself to hiking every trail and enjoying all 365 beaches in her native Antigua while time allowed.Her upbeat persona masks a harsh reality; she lost her job as a restaurant supervisor, a home, and her dream of building one—all attributed to her condition. However, six years later, the determined young mother channels her experiences to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities through her nonprofit organization, Good Humans 268, founded in 2023. “I can only imagine what it must be like for someone with a major disability,” Joshuanette affirms. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, typically affects older adults but can emerge at any age. The diagnosis left her wondering what her future would entail.Good Humans works tirelessly on a wide range of initiatives—from advocating for the establishment of an equal rights tribunal to spearheading a recycling program that employs residents with disabilities. Launched in over 80 schools, this program has diverted about a million recycling items from landfills, hiring eight individuals to sort and repurpose waste.One program participant, Kelisha Pigott, reflects on her transformative experience. Thanks to Joshuanette’s encouragement, she decided to pursue university studies in tourism management. “There are many people with disabilities with no one to turn to. It’s because of her that I believed in myself,” says Kelisha.Success stories emerge, such as a 10-year-old girl who spent years unable to use the toilet unaided due to the lack of accessible facilities at her school. Joshuanette took on this issue personally, resulting in the creation of an accessible bathroom. “We must change our approach,” she emphasizes, “People with disabilities deserve equal opportunities.”Though ambitious plans are underway—including a recycling initiative for private homes and the establishment of a purpose-built center—Joshuanette acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. Even navigating St. John's, Antigua's capital, is fraught with dangers for individuals with mobility impairments due to poorly maintained infrastructure.Bernard Warner, head of the national disability association, echoes her sentiments, noting the lack of access to assistive devices and the need for the enforcement of existing disability legislation. “People are often discriminated against in job markets and denied opportunities,” he states. Meanwhile, educators like Kelly Hedges from the Victory Centre for children with special needs emphasize the need for continued support for students transitioning into adulthood, fearing they may struggle to find employment.As Joshuanette approaches her 30th birthday, she grapples with a renewed struggle against depression and the pursuit of compensation for her unfair dismissal. “It’s exhausting fighting,” she admits, acknowledging it’s only through wider discussions about disability that true change can occur. “We need to advocate for a better society, where all individuals are included."