Canadian disability rights advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel, also known as Access by Tay online, is set to feature in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann.” Lindsay-Noel hopes her involvement in the film will shed light on the ongoing accessibility challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
Posting reviews on accessibility at various establishments in Toronto, Lindsay-Noel’s online videos have garnered over a million views. Her initiative began post the COVID-19 pandemic to showcase the obstacles individuals with disabilities encounter at their favorite venues.
Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel calls on businesses to provide accurate information regarding their accessibility features. She emphasizes that Toronto has the resources to be more inclusive but highlights the lack of online accessibility information for some establishments, along with obstacles like inaccessible washrooms and entryways.
The former national gymnast, who became paralyzed from the chest down at 14 due to a gymnastics accident, has transitioned into advocating for disability rights and even started her own tea business. Lindsay-Noel’s dedication led her to audition for “Being Heumann,” a biopic on American disability rights activist Judith Heumann, set to open the Toronto International Film Festival.
In the movie, directed and written by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, Lindsay-Noel plays a role among the demonstrators during a historic 28-day sit-in protest at the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare in 1977. The protest aimed to enforce regulations protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Lindsay-Noel commends Heumann’s crucial role in advancing the disability rights movement despite the challenges faced during the protest. She considers her involvement in “Being Heumann” a unique opportunity, praising Heder for creating an inclusive and supportive environment on set.
The disability advocate also addresses the prevalent issue of ableism, emphasizing the importance of open and honest conversations to combat societal biases against disabled individuals. Lindsay-Noel’s efforts aim to promote understanding and inclusivity for the disability community through her online platforms.
