Canadian disability rights advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel, also known as Access by Tay online, is using 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, creates online reviews focusing on the accessibility of restaurants and businesses in the city, with some of her video content garnering over a million views. Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 32-year-old started producing these videos to raise awareness about the obstacles that people with disabilities encounter when patronizing establishments.
Through her social media platforms, Lindsay-Noel advocates for establishments to provide accurate information regarding their accessibility features. She emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in a city like Toronto, stating that many venues lack essential accessibility details online, and commonly faced barriers include inaccessible restrooms and entranceways.
The former national gymnast, who sustained a life-altering injury at the age of 14, emphasizes the need for individuals with disabilities to be represented and accommodated in various settings. Lindsay-Noel’s proactive approach to advocating for disability rights extends beyond her online presence; she has also engaged in discussions on ableism, highlighting the prevalent discrimination faced by disabled individuals.
Lindsay-Noel’s participation in Being Heumann, a biopic centered around American disability rights activist Judith Heumann, marks a significant milestone in her advocacy journey. The film, directed and written by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, tells the story of a historic sit-in protest in San Francisco in 1977, where activists demanded the enforcement of disability rights legislation.
The activist views her role in the film as a unique opportunity to contribute to the representation of individuals with disabilities in mainstream media. Lindsay-Noel praises the film’s director, Sian Heder, for creating an inclusive environment on set and ensuring that all cast members, regardless of the size of their roles, felt valued and respected.
As Lindsay-Noel prepares to attend the film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, she continues to advocate for honesty and understanding in conversations about disability. She believes that fostering open and empathetic dialogue is key to addressing ableism and promoting a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities.