Canadian disability advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel aims to use her involvement in the upcoming movie Being Heumann to 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 reviews on the accessibility of restaurants and businesses in Toronto through her videos, some of which have garnered over a million views. She started creating these videos post the COVID-19 pandemic to showcase the obstacles people with disabilities encounter at their favorite spots.
Through her social media content, Lindsay-Noel urges establishments to provide accurate details about their accessibility features. She emphasizes the importance of inclusive practices in a city like Toronto, where she was born and raised.
The 32-year-old highlighted that many places lack online accessibility information, with issues like inaccessible washrooms and entryways being significant barriers. Lindsay-Noel noted that after her reviews, most restaurants she assessed reached out with plans to enhance their accessibility.
Having suffered a spinal cord injury at 14 during gymnastics, Lindsay-Noel redefined her identity beyond athletics and embraced new opportunities, including founding her own tea company. Her commitment to exploring diverse aspects of life led her to audition for a role in Being Heumann, a biopic on disability rights advocate Judith Heumann.
The movie, directed and written by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, narrates the story of a pivotal sit-in protest in 1977 at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Lindsay-Noel, who plays a protester in the film, described the experience as a unique and memorable one.
She commended Heder for fostering a welcoming environment on set, akin to her work on the acclaimed film CODA. Lindsay-Noel praised Heder’s inclusive approach, emphasizing the significance of honest conversations about ableism and disability rights.
As the premiere of Being Heumann approaches, Lindsay-Noel looks forward to continuing her advocacy for accessibility and promoting truthful discussions on disability-related issues across her platforms.