Canadian disability rights advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel is looking forward to her involvement in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann” to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when it comes to accessibility.
Operating under the name Access by Tay, Lindsay-Noel shares reviews on the accessibility of various establishments in Toronto through her online platform, garnering over a million views on some of her videos. Her initiative began post the COVID-19 pandemic to shed light on the obstacles people with disabilities encounter when visiting public places.
By leveraging her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide accurate details regarding their accessibility features. She emphasizes that Toronto has the potential to be more inclusive but highlights the lack of essential accessibility information online and physical barriers like inaccessible restrooms and entryways.
The former national gymnast, who suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 14, expressed the importance of redefining her identity beyond being an athlete and embracing new opportunities. Lindsay-Noel’s diverse experiences, from advocating for disability rights to establishing her own tea business, led her to audition for “Being Heumann,” a biographical film centered around American disability rights activist Judith Heumann.
The movie, directed and written by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, features a story of a historic sit-in protest in 1977, with Lindsay-Noel landing a role as one of the protesters involved. She views this experience as a remarkable opportunity and appreciates Heder’s inclusive approach on set, reminiscent of her previous work on the acclaimed film “CODA.”
Lindsay-Noel also addresses the prevalent issue of ableism within society, advocating for open and honest conversations to foster understanding and promote inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. She believes that transparency is key in her advocacy efforts and aims to continue spreading awareness through her platforms.
