Canadian disability advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel is excited to be part of the upcoming film “Being Heumann,” aiming to shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities regarding accessibility issues. Known as Access by Tay online, Lindsay-Noel shares reviews on the accessibility of various establishments 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 creating these videos to highlight the obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities when visiting public places. Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide transparent information about their accessibility features.
Despite being born and raised in Toronto, Lindsay-Noel points out that many establishments in the city still lack inclusive facilities. She emphasizes the importance of accurate accessibility information being readily available online, citing challenges such as inaccessible washrooms and entryways as significant barriers.
Following her reviews, Lindsay-Noel reveals that most of the establishments she assessed reached out to her with plans to enhance their accessibility features. The former national gymnast, who suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 14, emphasizes the need for inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with disabilities.
Her dedication to advocating for disability rights led Lindsay-Noel to audition for “Being Heumann,” a biographical film centered around American disability activist Judith Heumann. Directed and written by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, the film is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
In the movie, Lindsay-Noel plays a role as one of the activists participating in a historic sit-in protest in San Francisco in 1977. She describes this opportunity as a unique experience and expresses gratitude for being part of the project. Lindsay-Noel praises Heder’s inclusive approach on set and plans to attend the film’s premiere.
Apart from her involvement in the film industry, Lindsay-Noel has been vocal about combating ableism and advocating for honesty and understanding when discussing disability issues. She believes that open and sincere conversations are crucial in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.