Canadian disability rights advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel is hopeful that her involvement in the upcoming movie, “Being Heumann,” will raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in terms of accessibility.
Recognized as Access by Tay online, Lindsay-Noel shares reviews on the accessibility of restaurants and businesses in Toronto, with some of her videos garnering over a million views. The 32-year-old initiated these videos post the COVID-19 outbreak to shed light on the obstacles encountered by people with disabilities when they visit various establishments.
Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide accurate details regarding their accessibility features. Raised in Toronto, she believes that the city has the potential to be more inclusive but highlights the prevalent issues faced by individuals with disabilities, such as the lack of online accessibility information, inaccessible washrooms, and entryways.
Lindsay-Noel mentioned that the majority of the eateries she reviewed have reached out to her, expressing their intentions to enhance their accessibility offerings. A former national gymnast, Lindsay-Noel faced a life-altering injury at the age of 14, which left her paralyzed from the chest down. This event led her to explore new opportunities beyond her athletic identity.
Her journey from advocating for disability rights to establishing her tea company propelled her to audition for “Being Heumann,” a biopic centered on American disability rights activist Judith Heumann. Directed and penned by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, the film is scheduled to launch at the Toronto International Film Festival.
“Being Heumann” portrays one of the leaders of a historic sit-in protest at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1977. Lindsay-Noel expressed admiration for Heumann’s contributions to the disability rights movement, emphasizing the challenges faced by disabled individuals during the protest.
Having a minor role in the film, Lindsay-Noel played a protester who participated in the sit-in, considering the experience a unique opportunity. She praised Heder for creating an inclusive environment on set, reminiscent of her work on “CODA,” which received critical acclaim at the Oscars.
Lindsay-Noel has been vocal about combating ableism, highlighting the significance of honest conversations to address the prevalent issues faced by individuals with disabilities. She aims to foster understanding and openness through her advocacy efforts and online platforms.