The young mother is now on a mission to elevate the rights of individuals with disabilities in Antigua through her non-profit, Good Humans 268.
**Hiking Beyond Limits: Joshuanette Francis' Fight for Disability Rights in Antigua**
**Hiking Beyond Limits: Joshuanette Francis' Fight for Disability Rights in Antigua**
At 24, Joshuanette Francis was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, but rather than succumb to despair, she transformed her struggle into a movement.
Joshuanette Francis, diagnosed with osteoarthritis at the young age of 24, has turned her personal battle into a powerful campaign for disability rights in Antigua. Despite facing the prospect of losing her ability to walk and enduring job loss due to her condition, she remains resilient, hiking across her beautiful island and exploring nearly all of its 365 beaches. Her impactful journey is documented on her YouTube channel, portraying a strong, optimistic persona while concealing deep emotional struggles.
Six years after her diagnosis, she founded "Good Humans 268," a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities in her country, characterized by inequity and limited resources. Joshuanette passionately advocates for rights, launching initiatives like the recycling program that has successfully diverted nearly a million bottles and cans from landfills, while simultaneously creating job opportunities for locals with disabilities.
The organization is already making significant strides—like implementing a nationwide educational recycling campaign and advocating for an equal rights tribunal to address systemic discrimination against disabled individuals. Joshuanette's tireless pursuit of societal change has inspired others, like Kelisha Pigott, who credits her newfound self-belief and motivation to pursue higher education to Joshuanette's leadership.
Still, challenges remain. Bernard Warner, head of the country's disability association, highlights the urgent need for comprehensive access and the enforcement of protective legislative measures established in 2017. While Joshuanette fights internal battles with depression, she is unwavering in her goal to improve accessibility and public perception about disabilities, asserting that societal change begins with open dialogue and action.
The vision for Good Humans extends beyond recycling; plans include establishing a dedicated center for inclusivity and developing more job opportunities for disabled individuals. "Access must improve," warns Kelly Hedges, principal of the Victory Centre for children with special needs, who advocates for better employment prospects for graduates with disabilities.
Despite the uphill battle, Joshuanette remains hopeful. She believes unwaveringly in the capacity for change, determined to create a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.
Six years after her diagnosis, she founded "Good Humans 268," a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities in her country, characterized by inequity and limited resources. Joshuanette passionately advocates for rights, launching initiatives like the recycling program that has successfully diverted nearly a million bottles and cans from landfills, while simultaneously creating job opportunities for locals with disabilities.
The organization is already making significant strides—like implementing a nationwide educational recycling campaign and advocating for an equal rights tribunal to address systemic discrimination against disabled individuals. Joshuanette's tireless pursuit of societal change has inspired others, like Kelisha Pigott, who credits her newfound self-belief and motivation to pursue higher education to Joshuanette's leadership.
Still, challenges remain. Bernard Warner, head of the country's disability association, highlights the urgent need for comprehensive access and the enforcement of protective legislative measures established in 2017. While Joshuanette fights internal battles with depression, she is unwavering in her goal to improve accessibility and public perception about disabilities, asserting that societal change begins with open dialogue and action.
The vision for Good Humans extends beyond recycling; plans include establishing a dedicated center for inclusivity and developing more job opportunities for disabled individuals. "Access must improve," warns Kelly Hedges, principal of the Victory Centre for children with special needs, who advocates for better employment prospects for graduates with disabilities.
Despite the uphill battle, Joshuanette remains hopeful. She believes unwaveringly in the capacity for change, determined to create a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.
