Canadian disability rights advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel anticipates that her involvement in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann” will bring attention to the ongoing accessibility challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Known as Access by Tay online, Lindsay-Noel shares reviews on the accessibility of various establishments in Toronto, with some of her videos garnering over a million views.
The 32-year-old initiated creating the videos post the COVID-19 outbreak to showcase the obstacles individuals with disabilities encounter when frequenting their preferred venues. Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide accurate details about their accessibility features.
Hailing from Toronto, Lindsay-Noel believes the city has the resources to be more inclusive. She highlighted that individuals with disabilities often face hurdles even before leaving their homes. Some establishments do not offer accessibility information online, and issues like inaccessible restrooms and entryways are major barriers she has come across.
Lindsay-Noel mentioned that most of the restaurants she reviewed reached out to her and shared their intentions to enhance accessibility. A former national gymnast, Lindsay-Noel sustained a spinal cord injury at 14, which left her paralyzed from the chest down. This life-altering experience led her to explore new avenues beyond athletics, including establishing her own tea company.
Driven by her passion for disability rights, Lindsay-Noel auditioned for “Being Heumann,” a film centered on 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 story of the organizers behind a pivotal 28-day sit-in protest at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1977, advocating for the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Lindsay-Noel emphasized the significance of Heumann’s actions in advancing the disability rights movement, recognizing the challenges faced during the protest.
Lindsay-Noel described her participation in the film as a unique experience, portraying one of the protesters in the sit-in. She expressed admiration for Heder’s inclusive approach on set, reminiscing about the enjoyable moments during filming. Lindsay-Noel also addressed the prevalent issue of ableism, emphasizing the importance of honest conversations about disability to promote understanding and awareness.