Canadian advocate for disability rights, Taylor Lindsay-Noel, aims to use her involvement in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann” to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing public spaces. Known as Access by Tay online, Lindsay-Noel creates content reviewing the accessibility of restaurants and businesses in Toronto, with some of her videos garnering over a million views.
After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 32-year-old began producing these videos to shed light on the obstacles people with disabilities encounter when frequenting their favorite establishments. Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges businesses to provide accurate information about their accessibility features.
Hailing from Toronto, Lindsay-Noel emphasizes the city’s potential for greater inclusivity, noting the significant hurdles faced by individuals with disabilities. She highlights instances where establishments fail to offer accessibility details online, citing inaccessible facilities like washrooms and entryways as major impediments.
Notably, Lindsay-Noel mentions that the majority of the restaurants she assessed have reached out to her with plans to enhance their accessibility features. Having sustained a life-altering spinal injury at the age of 14 while pursuing gymnastics, Lindsay-Noel reflects on her journey of self-discovery post-accident, transitioning from a national athlete to a disability rights advocate and entrepreneur.
Driven by her passion for advocating disability rights, Lindsay-Noel auditioned for a role in “Being Heumann,” a biographical film centered around American activist Judith Heumann. The movie, directed and scripted by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Lindsay-Noel expresses gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the film, portraying a protester in a historic sit-in demonstration.
The film delves into the 28-day sit-in protest at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1977, which demanded the enforcement of regulations safeguarding the rights of individuals with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Lindsay-Noel commends Heumann’s pivotal role in advancing the disability rights movement, acknowledging the challenges faced during the protest.
Reflecting on her experience filming with Heder, Lindsay-Noel praises the director’s inclusive approach and plans to attend the premiere. She continues to advocate against ableism, emphasizing the importance of candid conversations to raise awareness and promote understanding regarding disabilities on various platforms.
