Canadian disability advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel is optimistic that her involvement in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann” will shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when it comes to accessibility.
Operating under the moniker Access by Tay online, Lindsay-Noel shares reviews on the accessibility of various establishments in Toronto, with some of her video content garnering over a million views. Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 32-year-old began creating these videos to highlight the obstacles that people with disabilities encounter during their visits to different venues.
Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide accurate information regarding their accessibility features. A native of Toronto, she emphasizes the city’s potential for greater inclusivity, stressing the significant effort required for individuals with disabilities to even leave their homes.
Lindsay-Noel points out that many establishments fail to offer accessibility information online, with issues like inaccessible washrooms and entrance doors posing major barriers. However, she notes a positive response from the majority of the restaurants she has reviewed, as they have reached out to her with plans for enhancements.
Having suffered a life-altering injury at the age of 14 during her gymnastics career, Lindsay-Noel reflects on the process of rediscovering herself beyond the realm of athletics. Her journey includes engaging in discussions on disability rights and venturing into entrepreneurship with her tea company.
Driven by her fervor for life’s opportunities, Lindsay-Noel auditioned for a role in “Being Heumann,” a biopic centered on American disability rights activist Judith Heumann. Scheduled to kick off the Toronto International Film Festival, this movie portrays the 1977 sit-in protest at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in San Francisco, with Ruth Madeley portraying Heumann.
The protest, involving over 100 demonstrators, aimed to secure rights under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a pivotal moment in the disability rights movement. Lindsay-Noel commends Heumann’s leadership during the challenging demonstration, emphasizing the essential support provided by various communities.
Securing a non-speaking role in the film, Lindsay-Noel considers the experience a unique opportunity that made her feel valued. She praises the inclusive environment fostered by director Sian Heder, known for her work on “CODA,” which received critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations.
Advocating against ableism, Lindsay-Noel stresses the importance of open and honest conversations about disability, aiming to address misconceptions and promote understanding. She believes that her candid approach not only informs her reviews but also shapes her broader advocacy efforts.