Viewing disability through intersectionality | | |
Intersectionality is a sociological framework that emphasizes how overlapping identities—such as race, gender and class—interact to shape individuals' lived experiences, particularly in relation to discrimination and inequality. It offers a holistic approach to understanding identity as a complex interplay of multiple, intersecting factors, rather than isolated categories. By highlighting the unique challenges faced by those belonging to multiple marginalized groups, intersectionality fosters solidarity across diverse communities and reinforces the idea that no struggle for justice can be fully addressed without acknowledging the interconnected nature of all forms of oppression.
Relay Resources is committed to fostering an inclusive world where diversity is embraced in all its dimensions, and inclusion becomes a lived reality. Through coalition-building, transforming workplaces and communities, and providing meaningful opportunities for all, they aim to shape a society that recognizes the strength, resilience and potential within every identity.
| | Language matters in mental health | |
“Language Matters in Mental Health” by the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health emphasizes the powerful role language plays in shaping perceptions of mental health, advocating for respectful and inclusive communication.
This guide highlights the importance of using person-first or identity-first language based on individual preferences, encouraging cultural sensitivity, awareness of biases, and the replacement of stigmatizing terms with empowering alternatives to support mental health equity.
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UIC inclusive
language guide
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The Inclusive Language Guide by the University of Illinois Chicago is a resource promoting consistent, inclusive communication aligned with the university’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. It emphasizes asset-based and you-centered language to foster belonging, respect and engagement.
Developed collaboratively across departments, the guide evolves with the changing landscape of inclusive language to support a welcoming campus environment.
| | Using person-centered language | | |
Person-centered language recognizes that individuals are the experts on their own lives, health and needs. The language used by providers significantly impacts whether people feel supported or stigmatized. While clinical terms are sometimes necessary, overusing them can harm relationships. Thoughtful word choices help build strong partnerships and support individuals in achieving their health goals.
The traditional medical model of health care focuses mainly on diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions. In a person-centered model, people are empowered to participate as active partners in discussions and decisions about their care. The person-centered model focuses on supporting and communicating with people by emphasizing their strengths, capabilities and opportunities to reach their chosen goals.
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This article by Lydia Brown at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network offers a deeply personal and well-reasoned critique of person-first language in the autism community, arguing that terms like “person with autism” inadvertently separate individuals from their identity. Many Autistic self-advocates prefer identity-first language because autism shapes their worldview and experience in a way that cannot be separated from who they are.
This piece calls for mutual respect and civil dialogue in language debates, emphasizing that the words we choose can either affirm or undermine the dignity and identity of Autistic individuals.
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The Words Matter guide from the National Institute on Drug Abuse highlights the critical role language plays in shaping perceptions of addiction, advocating for person-first, non-stigmatizing terminology. It explains how stigmatizing language can deter individuals from seeking treatment and negatively affect provider attitudes and care quality.
This guide provides clear alternatives to commonly used harmful terms, encouraging clinicians to adopt language that reflects addiction as a treatable medical condition rather than a moral failing.
| | | Ability-centered language | | Ability-centered language focuses on a person's capabilities and strengths rather than their limitations or conditions. It's a way of speaking and writing that emphasizes what someone can do, highlighting their positive attributes and abilities. According to The Ability Center, the language we use can intentionally or unintentionally express biases. This Disability Language Guide is intended to be used as an informal guide for language and word choice. | | New mental health crisis intervention team | |
Southern Illinois University in Carbondale is investing in a new collaborative response team of first responders to provide care for students experiencing mental health challenges thanks to a $290,000 competitive grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Student Health Services at SIU developed a response model based on best practice that ensures students, especially those from vulnerable populations, receive immediate support and direct connection to appropriate treatment. The team will respond to incidents involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or exhibiting help-seeking behaviors. The goal is to de-escalate situations, improve outcomes and help students stay in school.
The grant is designed to expand and enhance existing services mandated by the state’s 2020 Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act, that mandates public community colleges and universities to increase awareness of mental health support services, implement peer-support networks and enhance partnerships for mental health services. SIU leaders hope the new model, CAPS Plus, will both improve safety for students in critical moments and promote retention and success for students by connecting them with relevant support resources for ongoing care.
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Mad activists: The language we
use reflects
our desire for change
| This article by Lisa Archibald at Mad in America notes that the language people use to describe their experiences and identities, such as “bipolar,” “disabled" or “neurodivergent," reflects personal perspectives and desired change. Despite diverse terms, individuals are often grouped under a presumed shared movement. However, there is no clear consensus on what to call ourselves or how others should label us. | | |
The ultimate guide
to mental health programs for
college students
| Mantra Health highlights the growing mental health challenges faced by college students and outlines how institutions can build comprehensive support programs. It emphasizes the need for diverse, accessible services—ranging from counseling and psychiatric care to peer support, wellness initiatives and digital tools—to promote student well-being, academic success and long-term resilience. | | | Upcoming ECHO and other trainings | | |
"A self celebration: Honoring the work we do and the impact we have" ECHO Learning Collaborative | June 5, 2025, 10 a.m. - Noon
We are hard on ourselves. Often, the traits that make us successful in our work—perfectionism, genuine care and detail-orientation, when combined with training in anticipatory anxiety and a deep sense of responsibility—can cause a perfect storm. We have been socialized to not allow for our own flaws, and it’s exhausting. Let’s set it down. In this session, we will take time to consider the impacts of our “inner critic” and use strategies from positive psychology to cultivate joy + pleasure, to honor our successes and to promote thriving. Email icctac@siumed.edu to register.
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"From crisis to capacity: Solution-focused case management for students with complex needs" | June 13, 2025, 10 a.m. - Noon
Join us for the next session in our Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Training For Case Managers. This free virtual event is designed for higher education professionals and offers practical tools to support student mental health, focusing on relevant campus populations and needs. No prior SFBT experience is required. CEUs available.
| | Why inclusive language matters in higher education | Language holds power. It can influence, uplift, connect or put others down, sometimes unintentionally. In every setting, especially when working with people, we should choose our words with care. | | | | |
Anita Sego, PhD, MCHES (she/her)
Director
SIU School of Medicine
319 E Madison St., Ste 4M | Springfield, IL 62701
Email: asego99@siumed.edu
Phone: 217.545.7543
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Brittany Tolar, LCSW (she/her)
Deputy Director
University of Illinois Chicago
1040 W Harrison St. | ETMSW Rm 4406, MC 309 | Chicago, IL 60607
Email: btolar2@uic.edu
Phone: 312.355.4847
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