Canadian disability advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel aims to use her involvement in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann” to shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when it comes to accessibility.
Known as Access by Tay online, Lindsay-Noel shares reviews on the accessibility of restaurants and businesses in Toronto, with some of her videos garnering over a million views. She started creating these videos during the pandemic to showcase the obstacles faced by people with disabilities while visiting various establishments.
Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide accurate information about their accessibility features. Raised in Toronto, she believes the city has the resources to be more inclusive but notes that many places lack crucial accessibility details online, such as information on washrooms and entryways.
Despite encountering barriers like inaccessible facilities, Lindsay-Noel has seen positive responses from most of the establishments she has reviewed, with many expressing their commitment to enhancing accessibility.
Having transitioned from being a national gymnast to launching her own tea company post a life-altering injury at 14, Lindsay-Noel’s diverse experiences motivated her to audition for “Being Heumann,” which portrays the story of American disability rights activist Judith Heumann. Directed by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, the film will kick off the Toronto International Film Festival.
Lindsay-Noel, who had a minor role in the movie as one of the protesters during a historical sit-in, found the opportunity to be a significant and cherished experience. She praised Heder’s inclusive approach on set, emphasizing that everyone, regardless of role size, felt valued.
In addition to her film involvement, Lindsay-Noel openly discusses ableism, highlighting the prevalent discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities. She advocates for honest conversations on disability issues to foster understanding and create a more inclusive society.