Canadian disability rights activist Taylor Lindsay-Noel is anticipating that her involvement in the upcoming film “Being Heumann” will shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing various establishments. Known as Access by Tay online, Lindsay-Noel creates reviews focusing on the accessibility of restaurants and businesses in Toronto, with some of her videos garnering over a million views.
Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 32-year-old initiated the video series to highlight the obstacles encountered by individuals with disabilities when frequenting their favorite locations. Through her social media content, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide accurate details regarding their accessibility features.
Born and raised in Toronto, Lindsay-Noel emphasizes that the city has the capacity to enhance its inclusivity. She stresses that individuals with disabilities often face significant challenges even before leaving their homes. Lindsay-Noel points out that some establishments do not offer accessibility information online, and inadequate restroom facilities and entryways are among the primary hurdles she encounters.
Lindsay-Noel notes that the majority of the restaurants she reviewed 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, emphasizes the importance of redefining oneself beyond previous identities and embracing new opportunities.
Driven by her passion for disability rights advocacy, Lindsay-Noel auditioned for “Being Heumann,” a biographical 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 portrays a historic 28-day sit-in protest at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1977, led by one of the organizers, played by Ruth Madeley, with supporting roles by Mark Ruffalo and Dylan O’Brien. The demonstrators, including disabled activists, advocated for the enforcement of regulations safeguarding the rights of individuals with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Lindsay-Noel commends Heumann’s pivotal role in the disability rights movement, emphasizing the challenges faced by activists during the sit-in protest. She underscores the significance of the support from various communities during the demanding demonstration.
Participating in the film as one of the protesters during the sit-in, Lindsay-Noel describes the experience as a unique opportunity that left her feeling privileged. She praises the inclusive environment fostered by Heder on set and looks forward to attending the film’s premiere.
In addition to her work in the film industry, Lindsay-Noel raises awareness about ableism and advocates for open and honest conversations about disability. She believes that transparency is crucial in addressing the prevalent issue of ableism within society.
