by Wendy Bulawa

Created on: November 23, 2007

"With the right words you can change the world."

This sentiment crafted by E.B. White in the epic tale of a barnyard filled with animals including a runt pig saved from the slaughter is true even today.

Simple, yet powerful messages stare at us nearly 24 hours a day from the chests and backs of strangers and the rear bumpers and wrists of others we pass during our daily activities.

Several Massachusetts-based entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations have realized that mindsets can be shifted by using standard, every day gear such as T-shirts, wristbands, bumper stickers and car magnets, all designed to reinforce positive social messages.

One would be hard pressed to find a Massachusetts resident unfamiliar with Jake, the ever-smiling front man of Life is Good. The entire mantra of the company is to enjoy the good moments in life in order to balance road bumps ultimately experienced along the way.

Emotional Armor founder Jennifer Dalton Hoffman started a journey towards health and healing by designing a unique clothing line promoting messages of kindness, self confidence and acceptance. The Newburyport-based company's line of T-shirts were designed to motivate, inspire and celebrate the good inherent in all of us, while at the same time, provide positive reinforcement of each individual message such as take the high road' and i can do it.'

While the motivation for starting companies that share positive messages may be different, families touched by the lives of individuals with special needs too have added their own messages to the societal piemany of which are equally as inspirational, catchy and absolutely fashionable.

A Positive Perspective, founded by two sisters from Uxbridge, Mass., today merchandise a web site filled with tote bags, ceramic and travel mugs, stationary, T-shirts and more showcasing unique designs encouraging acceptance and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome. And, they are not alone.

Just in time for summer, the Autism Alliance of MetroWest, Inc. based in Natick, Mass. has designed an exclusive beach towel promoting autism awareness. Retailing for $24.99 plus $5.00 shipping and handling, anyone interested in shedding light on another important cause while sun tanning, swimming or playing at the beach or pool can do so in style.

Friends Kristin Pidgeon and Coleen Popp determined that their children with special needs have many unique talents and gifts to give to the world, so why not promote this fact in a subtle, but positive manner?

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