Canadian disability rights activist Taylor Lindsay-Noel is looking forward to her involvement in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann” to shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing everyday spaces. Known as Access by Tay online, Lindsay-Noel creates content where she reviews the accessibility of various establishments in Toronto, with some of her videos garnering over a million views.
Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 32-year-old began producing these videos to showcase the obstacles individuals with disabilities encounter when visiting public places. Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel advocates for restaurants and businesses to provide accurate information about their accessibility status.
Raised in Toronto, Lindsay-Noel emphasizes the city’s potential for greater inclusivity. She highlights that individuals with disabilities often face significant hurdles even before leaving their homes. Lindsay-Noel points out the lack of online accessibility information for some establishments, along with challenges such as inaccessible washrooms and entryways.
Many of the restaurants reviewed by Lindsay-Noel have reached out to her, expressing their commitment to enhancing accessibility. A former national gymnast, Lindsay-Noel suffered a life-altering injury at the age of 14, which left her paralyzed from the chest down. This experience prompted her to redefine her identity beyond athletics, leading her to explore new opportunities and ventures, including launching her own tea business.
Driven by her passion for advocating disability rights, Lindsay-Noel auditioned for a role in “Being Heumann,” a biopic centered around American disability rights activist Judith Heumann. The film is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Lindsay-Noel’s participation in the movie, where she played a protester in a non-speaking role, was a profound experience that she cherishes as a unique opportunity.
Lindsay-Noel commended the film’s director and writer, Academy Award winner Sian Heder, for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment on set. She highlighted the significance of honest conversations about ableism, stressing the importance of candid discussions to address the prevalent issues faced by the disabled community. Lindsay-Noel expressed her commitment to advocating for accessibility and fostering understanding through her various platforms.