The R-Word Is More Than Hate Speech: Differences in Counselors’ Level of Tolerance Based on Language and Labels

Professional counselors and counselors-in-training (N = 211) completed a survey measuring tolerance toward people with intellectual disabilities. About half completed a version using the term mentally retarded, and half completed a version using people with intellectual disabilities. The first group was more empowering and less sheltering of people with intellectual disabilities but less likely to perceive them as basically like themselves.