The Power of Words: Choosing Respect and Inclusion
![Jolene MacDonald Portrait](https://accessibrand.com/resources/blog/contributors/7920A99B-9531-DEE8-0249-BE2B8A30F95B/cropped/t_Jolene-01-01.png)
“Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Many of us are familiar with this childhood chant. We also know it was something you said to mask the pain. Words have a big impact on others. They can either uplift and empower people or hurt and marginalize them
Words Matter, What You Say Can Negatively Impact Disabled People's Lives
![Andrew Tutty Portrait](https://accessibrand.com/resources/blog/contributors/7B363E60-E6C4-18D6-9259-77DF72697676/cropped/t_AndrewTuttyBlogHS.png)
“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” is a quotation from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. This description may be true for the rose, but words and their uses can be more complicated in modern times. Words matter, and how people use them can be the difference between respect and injury.
The World Wide Web at your fingertips, right? Mostly, but not for everyone.
![Andrew Tutty Portrait](https://accessibrand.com/resources/blog/contributors/7B363E60-E6C4-18D6-9259-77DF72697676/cropped/t_AndrewTuttyBlogHS.png)
Access is easy. Get a computer, an Internet service provider, a cell phone, take a few courses, and there you have it. The World Wide Web at your fingertips, right? Well, most people might think so, but not everyone.
An Interview with Jolene MacDonald - The Origins of Accessibrand
![Van Thompson Portrait](https://accessibrand.com/resources/blog/contributors/192D8939-CE9C-E780-76D8-DEE95723E2DE/cropped/t_Van2-01.png)
Jolene MacDonald founded Accessibrand in 2017. Jolene created the new, virtual accessible design, marketing and communications agency to empower professionals with disabilities and others impacted by disability.