Thanks @Kaitlyn Davis!
Thank you for this powerful reflection and for connecting World AIDS Day and International Day of Persons with Disabilities through the lens of inclusion and health equity. Your point about how stigma - rather than the conditions themselves - drives so many disparities is such an important reminder of where real change is needed.
From a One Health perspective, your post also highlights how interconnected these issues are. When communities reduce stigma, expand access to care, and create supportive social environments, we're improving not only individual health but also the broader social and environmental conditions that allow everyone to thrive.
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Absolutely pets are facilitators of inclusion. It's something we often overlook, but companion animals can play a meaningful role in reducing isolation and supporting the well-being of people living with disabilities - or anyone facing chronic illness:
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Pets can help build confidence in public spaces, whether through emotional grounding or physical assistance.
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They spark natural, low-pressure social interactions that can help counter the hesitation or discomfort others may feel.
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And on a larger scale, they remind us of the value of supportive, empathetic relationships - something that translates directly into how we build more inclusive communities for people living with HIV/AIDS as well.
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A small but meaningful addition, inspired by accessiBe's work: when referring to people living with disabilities, it's best to use person-first language - for example, "a person with a disability," rather than "the disabled" or "a disabled person." (AccessiBe) That kind of respectful language helps to emphasize personhood and dignity - not defining someone by their disability.
Creating the kind of respectful, stigma-free society you're advocating for really does start with everyday interactions - how we speak up, vote, care, and connect.
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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-04-2025 02:34 PM
From: Kaitlyn Davis
Subject: Promoting an Inclusive Society
Two important observances have taken place this week: World AIDS Day on Dec. 1st and International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec. 3rd. Today, I'm combining them for a reflection on respect and inclusion and to raise awareness of groups that are affected by health disparities!
Globally, about 41 million people live with HIV and 1.3 million people acquire it annually. There were about 630,000 HIV related deaths in 2024. The World Health Organization is promoting initiatives to end AIDS by 2030. In order to do this, they say that they need "sustained political leadership and international cooperation".
Over the last year, the United States has decreased their funding for international programming and research. The U.S. government has also decided not to commemorate World AIDS Day this year. In the early days of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and often still today, there was widespread societal stigma aimed at those with this disease- with people sometimes referring to them as "dirty" or believing they deserved to get it because of their behavior or choices they make. While a day of awareness won't end the spread of HIV/AIDS, it could help to reduce the stigma and discrimination that perpetuate health disparities that those living with the disease face.
We can all help to achieve the WHO's goal of ending AIDS by 2030 by combatting discrimination when we see it and voting in support of funding for international initiatives to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS!
Did you know that about 16% of people around the world have a significant disability? People with disabilities are often more likely to live in poverty, face higher barriers to accessing quality health care, and be excluded from education and employment opportunities. The worst part of this is that these barriers and inequities often have nothing to do with restrictions resulting from the disability itself, they are a result of stigma and discrimination from the community around the person.
Pets can be very helpful in promoting social inclusion for people with disabilities! Pets can help people with disabilities feel more comfortable being in public by supporting their mental and emotional well-being or offering physical support and guidance as they navigate their environment. Additionally, pets can be great conversation starters. Sometimes people are hesitant to talk to people who look or communicate in a different way than they do… but so many people like to ask others about their pets! Simple conversations can help people with disabilities to feel less alienated in public.
Inclusive societies start with how we treat the people we interact with every day! Does anyone want to share how your organizations commemorated either of these days?
References
World AIDS Day 2025
International Day of Persons with Disabilities | United Nations
https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2025/12/01/g-s1-99925/world-aids-day-trump
Stigma and HIV | HIV | CDC
» The Role of Pets in Promoting Social Inclusion for People with Disabilities
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Kaitlyn Andres, MS, MPH
Research Associate
Program for Pet Health Equity
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
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