Diagnosed with arthritis at 24, she set out to hike... and change an unequal society

Joshuanette Francis, a determined young woman from Antigua, was diagnosed with osteoarthritis at the young age of 24. This condition affects her joints, causing pain and stiffness, and it can make walking difficult. Doctors warned her that she might lose the ability to walk by the time she turns 40, but instead of letting this diagnosis define her, Joshuanette chose to embrace life fully. She has made it her mission to hike every nature trail in Antigua and visit all 365 of the island's beautiful beaches while she still can. Although her YouTube channel showcases her cheerful and upbeat personality, it does not reveal the struggles she faces behind closed doors. After losing her job as a restaurant supervisor due to her condition, she also lost her home and the dream of building a house for her family. Despite these challenges, Joshuanette has become a powerful advocate for people with disabilities in a society where inequality is prevalent and resources are scarce. In 2023, she founded a non-profit organization called Good Humans 268, which aims to create a brighter future for individuals with physical challenges. Joshuanette believes that arthritis has significantly changed her life, and she can only imagine the difficulties faced by those with more severe disabilities. She recalls the shock of her diagnosis and her fears about what the future would hold. Good Humans 268 is working on various initiatives, including advocating for the establishment of an equal rights tribunal to address discrimination against people with disabilities. They have also launched a recycling program that employs local residents with disabilities, which has already been implemented in over 80 schools, diverting approximately one million bottles and cans from landfills. Eight individuals have been hired to sort and process the recyclables, and the team at Good Humans continues to grow. One of the team members, Kelisha Pigott, shares how working with Joshuanette has transformed her life. She feels empowered and has gained the confidence to pursue her education, recently gaining admission to university. Kelisha hopes to merge her studies in tourism management with her work at Good Humans to create more job opportunities for people with disabilities. Joshuanette and her team are also focused on raising awareness about the importance of recycling and making their community more inclusive. They have taken on personal projects, such as creating accessible bathrooms for schools, ensuring that children with disabilities can use the facilities without assistance. Joshuanette passionately advocates for a shift in societal attitudes towards people with disabilities, emphasizing that they should have the same opportunities as everyone else. She is excited about the potential of Good Humans to make a significant impact in the community. However, she is also aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Navigating the streets of St John's can be perilous for individuals with mobility issues due to open gutters, uneven pavements, and other obstacles. Bernard Warner, the head of the disability association, highlights the lack of access to assistive devices that can help people with disabilities lead more fulfilling lives. Both Bernard and Joshuanette are calling for the enforcement of legislation passed in 2017 that aims to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. An equal rights tribunal was a crucial part of this act, but it has yet to be established. Bernard shares his own story of losing a leg in a motorcycle accident and the ongoing fight for better access and opportunities for people with disabilities. He believes that society must change its mindset and stop excluding individuals with disabilities from everyday life. Kelly Hedges, the principal of the Victory Centre for children with special needs, echoes this sentiment. She emphasizes the importance of preparing students for life after school and the need for more job opportunities for young adults with disabilities. The Victory Centre has joined Good Humans' recycling initiative, and Kelly hopes that as the organization grows, her students can find meaningful employment and become independent members of society. Joshuanette recognizes the importance of mental health in the conversation about disability awareness. Despite her positive outlook, she has faced her own struggles with depression, especially when she turned 30 and still could not afford her own home. She continues to fight for compensation against the company she believes wrongfully terminated her. Joshuanette understands that change will only come when more people speak out about disability issues and demand action.