Determined to overcome her own struggles with osteoarthritis, Joshuanette Francis is leading the charge for disability rights in Antigua through her non-profit organization, Good Humans 268, while navigating personal challenges from her diagnosis at a young age.
**Empowering Change: Joshuanette Francis Fights for Disability Rights in Antigua**
**Empowering Change: Joshuanette Francis Fights for Disability Rights in Antigua**
Inspiring non-profit leader Joshuanette Francis aims to transform the lives of those with disabilities in an unequal society.
Joshuanette Francis’s journey began when she was diagnosed with osteoarthritis at just 24 years old, a reality that nearly deprived her of her mobility by the age of 40. In defiance of this prognosis, she embraced life's adventures, hiking every nature trail and exploring all 365 beaches that Antigua has to offer. However, her battle against the degenerative joint disease led to significant personal losses, including her job as a restaurant supervisor.
Despite the setbacks, Joshuanette turned her experiences into a mission. She founded Good Humans 268 in 2023, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities in a society where resources are limited and inequity prevails. In her uplifting YouTube videos, which showcase her cheerful demeanor, she highlights the difficulties faced by many, revealing her struggles only in private.
As Joshuanette states, "Arthritis has changed my life so much, I can only imagine what it must be like for someone with a major disability." The organization addresses various issues from establishing an equal rights tribunal to eradicate discrimination practices, to initiating a recycling program that also provides jobs for individuals with disabilities. This initiative has already been implemented in over 80 schools across Antigua, successfully diverting millions of waste materials from landfills and providing employment to locals.
Kelisha Pigott, currently working with Good Humans, shares, "Joshuanette has moulded me to believe in myself more... because of her, I took the chance to apply for university and got in." Joshuanette’s influence has inspired individuals like Kelisha to pursue their aspirations and strive for greater independence.
In addition to her advocacy work, Joshuanette personally addressed the need for accessible facilities, overseeing the installation of a wheelchair-friendly bathroom in a local school. "We must shift the way we do things," she states emphatically. "People with disabilities must be able to do the same things everyone else can."
However, the journey ahead is fraught with challenges, including physical barriers present in St John's, such as open gutters and uneven pavements that impede those with mobility issues. Both Joshuanette and Bernard Warner, head of the disability association, emphasize the pressing need for effective legislation that was proposed in 2017 to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.
The conversation around disability rights is ongoing. "People are still wary about hiring those with special needs, and many remain home-bound due to a lack of opportunity," explains Kelly Hedges, principal of the Victory Centre for children with special needs. The partnership between her school and Good Humans aims to bridge this gap by helping graduates transition into the workforce.
Despite her positive outlook, Joshuanette acknowledges the mental toll her journey has taken on her, especially as she continues to fight for fair treatment after losing her job under dubious circumstances. "Fighting is exhausting," she admits. "But change will only happen when more people talk about disability and demand change."
Through her relentless advocacy and determination, Joshuanette Francis is not only raising awareness about disability rights in Antigua but also igniting hope for a brighter future for all those affected.
