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 regarding accessibility.
Known as Access by Tay online, Lindsay-Noel reviews the accessibility of restaurants and businesses in Toronto, with some of her videos garnering over a million views. She started creating these videos post the COVID-19 pandemic to showcase the obstacles that people with disabilities encounter when visiting establishments.
Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide accurate information about their accessibility status. She emphasizes that Toronto, her hometown, has the potential to be more inclusive.
Lindsay-Noel, who suffered a spinal cord injury at 14 while pursuing gymnastics, highlights the lack of online accessibility information, along with challenges like inadequate washrooms and entryways. Nevertheless, she mentions that most of the establishments she assessed have reached out to her with plans for enhancements.
The passion to embrace life fully led Lindsay-Noel to audition for “Being Heumann,” a biopic on disability rights activist Judith Heumann. Directed and written by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, the film is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The movie centers on the 1977 historic sit-in protest at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, with Ruth Madeley portraying Heumann. More than 100 demonstrators, including disabled activists, participated in the protest to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.
Lindsay-Noel, who had a role as one of the protesters in the film, describes the experience as a unique opportunity. She commends Heder for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment on set. Lindsay-Noel also addresses the issue of ableism and stresses the importance of honest conversations regarding disability.
With her platform, Lindsay-Noel aims to spark discussions and promote understanding, both through her reviews and general advocacy work.