Canadian advocate for disability rights, Taylor Lindsay-Noel, is looking to use her involvement in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann” to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges of accessibility faced by individuals with disabilities.
Known as Access by Tay online, Lindsay-Noel reviews the accessibility of various establishments in Toronto, with some of her videos garnering over a million views. She started creating these videos during the COVID-19 pandemic to showcase the obstacles people with disabilities encounter when visiting places they enjoy.
Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide accurate information about their accessibility features. She emphasizes that Toronto, her hometown, has the resources to be more inclusive.
Highlighting the hurdles faced by individuals with disabilities, Lindsay-Noel points out that some locations fail to share their accessibility details online, and issues like inaccessible restrooms and entryways pose significant challenges. However, she notes that many of the restaurants she reviewed reached out to her with plans for enhancements.
Having suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 14, Lindsay-Noel, a former national gymnast, had to redefine her identity beyond athletics. From advocating for disability rights to establishing her tea company, she embraced life’s opportunities.
Motivated by her zeal for life experiences, Lindsay-Noel auditioned for “Being Heumann,” a biopic on disability rights activist Judith Heumann. The film, directed and written by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, will debut at the Toronto International Film Festival.
In the movie, Lindsay-Noel plays a protester participating in a historic sit-in protest in 1977, demanding the enforcement of disability rights legislation. Reflecting on the importance of Heumann’s activism, Lindsay-Noel acknowledges the challenges faced during the protest, highlighting the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
Describing her role in the film as a rare chance, Lindsay-Noel commends Heder for creating an inclusive and special atmosphere on set. Additionally, she emphasizes the prevalence of ableism in society and advocates for honest conversations to address issues faced by individuals with disabilities effectively.