18/12/2025
We recently took part in Beyond the Label, a powerful training session delivered by Elaine McTaggart.
Elaine is mum to Grant, a 20-year-old who she describes as “a great teacher of resilience and how to live a different – and sometimes very complex – life in an ordinary way.” Grant is also an employee of the family business and a Look for a Book - West Kilbride enthusiast, actively contributing to his community.
Through Elaine’s reflections, and the shared experiences of Grant and Team Grant, the session explored how disabled people are often described by their needs first, rather than as people — with strengths, individuality, qualities and potential.
The session highlighted how barriers within systems, services and societal attitudes limited Grant’s opportunities — not because of who he is, but because of perceptions placed upon him.
Moving beyond the “subtext”, as Elaine described it, challenges assumptions and attitudes, helping to create a society where disabled people are supported to truly thrive.
Sessions like Beyond the Label give us valuable space to reflect on the language we use, the expectations we hold, and the role we all play in building more inclusive environments. We explored how this learning applies to our everyday practice at GCIL, reinforcing how positive, person-centred language supports inclusion.
We thank Elaine and Team Grant for sharing their lived and living experience so openly and honestly.
[Image 1: Elaine sits behind a table in a meeting room has grey carpeted flooring, white walls and overhead ceiling panels. She has a burgundy top on, grey hair and is wearing a smart watch, she is smiling with her arms crossed over. On the table is papers with sticky notes, an open laptop, a reusable water bottle and a glass of water.
Behind Elaine is a large screen is mounted on the wall displaying a presentation slide. On the left side of the slide is an orange graphic with luggage-style tags reading “Beyond the Label.” On the right side, the slide reads “Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living,”. A radiator and power sockets are visible along the wall on the righthand side of Elaine. ]
[Image 2: A blue graphic with a clean, modern design featuring two participant quotes in white text, each inside rounded speech-bubble style outlines with quotation marks. The background includes soft abstract shapes and small star-like decorative icons. The GCIL logo is at the top on the right hand side.
The first quote reads:
“I really enjoyed the session. Elaine’s way of sharing her and Grant’s story was both brilliant and thought-provoking.”
The second quote reads:
“The session reinforced the need for person-centred language and why it matters. It really showed how small changes can make a big difference.”]
