Canadian disability rights advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel is optimistic that her involvement in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann” will help shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when it comes to accessibility.
Known as Access by Tay on social media, Lindsay-Noel shares reviews on the accessibility of various establishments in Toronto, with some of her videos garnering over a million views. Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 32-year-old started creating these videos to illustrate the obstacles individuals with disabilities encounter during their visits to popular venues.
Through her online content, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide accurate details about their accessibility features. A Toronto native, she believes the city has the resources to foster more inclusivity.
Highlighting the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities, Lindsay-Noel pointed out that some places fail to offer accessibility information online, while challenges like inaccessible restrooms and entryways pose significant barriers. However, she noted that many of the restaurants she assessed reached out to her with plans for enhancements.
A former national gymnast, Lindsay-Noel suffered a paralyzing neck injury at the age of 14. Embracing her new reality post-injury, she transitioned from being an athlete to exploring other opportunities, including launching her own tea business.
Driven by her passion for advocating disability rights, Lindsay-Noel auditioned for “Being Heumann,” a biopic centered on American activist Judith Heumann. The film, directed and written by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, is slated to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The movie delves into a historical 28-day sit-in protest led by disability rights activists at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1977. Lindsay-Noel, playing a non-speaking role as one of the protesters, described the experience as a unique and unforgettable opportunity.
Acknowledging the significance of Heumann’s contributions to the disability rights movement, Lindsay-Noel emphasized the challenges faced during the protest, which required essential support and resources for the demonstrators.
Lindsay-Noel praised Heder for her inclusive approach on set and expressed her excitement about attending the film premiere. Additionally, she has been vocal about combating ableism, emphasizing the importance of open and honest conversations regarding disability to foster understanding and awareness.