Canadian disability rights advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel is set to feature in the upcoming film “Being Heumann,” aiming to raise awareness about the ongoing accessibility challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
Known as Access by Tay online, Lindsay-Noel reviews the accessibility of various establishments in Toronto through videos, some of which have garnered over a million views. These reviews were initiated after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to shed light on the obstacles encountered by individuals with disabilities at their favorite locations.
Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide accurate details about their accessibility features. Emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, Lindsay-Noel, a Toronto native, believes that the city has the resources to become more accommodating.
Highlighting the difficulties faced by individuals with disabilities, Lindsay-Noel pointed out instances where accessibility information is not readily available online, and challenges like inaccessible restrooms and entryways pose significant barriers.
Many of the restaurants reviewed by Lindsay-Noel have reached out to her, expressing their commitment to enhancing accessibility. The former national gymnast, who suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 14, has transitioned from her athletic identity to advocate for disability rights and even launch her own tea business.
Driven by her passion for inclusivity, Lindsay-Noel auditioned for “Being Heumann,” a biopic about American disability rights activist Judith Heumann. The film, directed and written by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, will kick off the Toronto International Film Festival.
“Being Heumann” centers on the historic 28-day sit-in protest at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1977, led by one of its organizers, Ruth Madeley, portrayed by actress Ruth Madeley. The demonstration, involving over 100 disabled activists and supporters, aimed to enforce Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Lindsay-Noel, who had a role as one of the protesters in the film, described the experience as extraordinary and expressed admiration for Heder’s inclusive approach on set. Beyond her film involvement, Lindsay-Noel openly addresses ableism as a prevalent issue faced by disabled individuals, advocating for honest and understanding conversations on disability through her platforms.