In a world that often overlooks the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, Antiguan advocate and educator Joshuanette Francis is ensuring our voices are not just heard—but amplified on an international scale.
Francis, founder of the nonprofit Good Humans 268 Inc., has been featured in The Big Issue Japan, a widely respected magazine that shares stories of social transformation across continents. Her feature—translated into Japanese and now circulated throughout Asia—underscores the global relevance of her work and the undeniable impact of her advocacy in Antigua and Barbuda.
Her journey didn’t begin with fame. It began with a diagnosis.
At 24, Francis was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, a condition that left her with the painful awareness that walking might become impossible by age 40. Yet instead of retreating into despair, she turned her diagnosis into a mission—visiting 365 scenic spots across her homeland, documenting each one, and highlighting how difficult such simple pleasures can be for people with disabilities.
What started as a personal journey quickly grew into a movement. As she shared her story on social media, she sparked critical conversations about access, dignity, and environmental justice. By 2023, she had officially launched Good Humans 268 Inc., an organization built on two pillars: disability advocacy and Climate Action
This mission caught the attention of international observers—and now the world is watching.
Below is the translated article from The Big Issue Japan, recognizing her story and vision:
Walking Challenges Lead to the Founding of an NPO — Toward a Society Where Disabilities Don’t Hinder Living
Joshuanette Francis was diagnosed with osteoarthritis at age 24 and told she might lose her ability to walk by 40. In response, she decided to “enjoy walking while I still can” and began visiting 365 natural and scenic spots across her home country.
She documented her journey through photos and SNS (social media), which gained widespread attention. Along the way, she witnessed the harsh reality of poorly maintained sidewalks and lack of accessibility, which are serious challenges for people with disabilities.
Francis then began advocating for the rights and support of persons with disabilities. In 2023, she founded the nonprofit organization Good Humans 268 Inc.
She promotes environmental awareness and accessibility by encouraging schools to create barrier-free facilities. Her goal is to improve not only the infrastructure but also the mindset of society. “Changing how people view ‘things and people they don’t understand’ will lead to building a better society,” says Francis. “Good Humans is a community of people who work toward that kind of change, and I’m truly grateful for everyone who’s part of it.”
(Reported by Takamatsu Reiko / Sources: BBC, Good Humans 268 Inc.)
