Canadian disability rights advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel, also known as Access by Tay online, aims to use her involvement in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann” to shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing everyday spaces.
Lindsay-Noel, based in Toronto, produces content reviewing the accessibility of restaurants and businesses in the city, with some of her videos garnering over a million views. Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she began creating these videos to highlight the obstacles that people with disabilities encounter when frequenting establishments.
Through her online presence, Lindsay-Noel urges establishments to provide accurate information about their accessibility features. She emphasizes the importance of inclusive practices within the city, noting that many places lack crucial accessibility details online, and common barriers include inaccessible restrooms and entryways.
While reviewing various restaurants, Lindsay-Noel has seen a positive response from most establishments, with many reaching out to discuss plans for enhancing accessibility.
Lindsay-Noel, a former national gymnast who sustained a spinal cord injury at the age of 14, expresses the need to redefine her identity post-injury and explore new opportunities. Her diverse journey, from advocating for disability rights to launching her tea business, led her to audition for “Being Heumann,” a biopic centered on American disability rights activist Judith Heumann.
Directed and written by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, “Being Heumann” focuses on the historic 28-day sit-in protest at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1977. Lindsay-Noel’s role in the film as one of the demonstrators during the protest was a significant and cherished experience for her.
The movie showcases the struggles faced by over 100 demonstrators, including disabled activists, as they fought for the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. Lindsay-Noel praises Heumann’s pivotal role in the disability rights movement, emphasizing the challenges faced during the protest.
Describing her participation in “Being Heumann” as a unique opportunity, Lindsay-Noel commends Heder for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment on set. She stresses the importance of addressing ableism, a prevalent issue affecting the disabled community, through open and honest conversations.
Lindsay-Noel looks forward to attending the film’s premiere and continuing her advocacy for disability rights, believing that transparency and understanding are key in promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all.
