Canadian disability rights advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel is anticipating 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 online, Lindsay-Noel shares insights on the accessibility of various establishments in Toronto through her reviews, some of which have garnered over a million views. The 32-year-old started creating these videos post the COVID-19 pandemic to showcase the obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities when frequenting their preferred venues.
Utilizing her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide accurate details regarding their accessibility features. A Toronto native, she emphasizes that the city has the potential to be more inclusive but highlights issues such as the lack of online accessibility information from some establishments, along with challenges like inaccessible restrooms and entryways.
Most of the restaurants reviewed by Lindsay-Noel have reached out to her, expressing their commitment to enhancing accessibility. Having suffered a career-ending injury in gymnastics at the age of 14, Lindsay-Noel underwent a transformative journey that led her to explore various aspects of life, including launching her own tea company.
Driven by her passion for making a difference, Lindsay-Noel auditioned for a role in “Being Heumann,” a biographical film centered around American disability rights activist Judith Heumann. The movie, directed and written by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film depicts the historic 28-day sit-in protest at the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare in 1977, where activists, including Lindsay-Noel’s character, advocated for the enforcement of regulations safeguarding the rights of individuals with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Lindsay-Noel emphasizes the significance of Heumann’s contributions to the disability rights movement, acknowledging the challenges faced during the protest. Describing her experience on set as a unique opportunity, Lindsay-Noel praises Heder for creating an inclusive atmosphere and plans to attend the film’s premiere.
The activist has also raised awareness about ableism, emphasizing the need for honest discussions to address the prevalent discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities. Lindsay-Noel believes that fostering open, understanding conversations is crucial in advocating for inclusivity and accessibility.