Canadian disability advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel, also known as Access by Tay on social media, is looking forward to her involvement in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann” to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing various establishments. Lindsay-Noel, a former national gymnast, started creating videos reviewing the accessibility of restaurants and businesses in Toronto after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of accurate accessibility information being provided by establishments and highlights the common barriers faced by people with disabilities, such as lack of online accessibility information and physical obstacles like inaccessible washrooms and doors.
Born and raised in Toronto, Lindsay-Noel believes that the city has the potential to be more inclusive. She stresses the significance of addressing accessibility issues to ensure that individuals with disabilities can navigate public spaces without hindrance. The 32-year-old activist, who became paralyzed from the chest down after a gymnastics accident at the age of 14, has been instrumental in advocating for disability rights and promoting inclusivity.
Lindsay-Noel’s dedication to advocating for disability rights led her to audition for “Being Heumann,” a biopic centered on American disability rights activist Judith Heumann. The movie, directed and written by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, revolves around the historic 28-day sit-in protest at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in San Francisco in 1977. Lindsay-Noel, who plays a non-speaking role as one of the protesters in the film, considers it a unique opportunity that holds personal significance for her.
In addition to her involvement in the film, Lindsay-Noel has been vocal about combating ableism and promoting honest discussions about disability. She believes that fostering open and understanding dialogues is crucial in addressing societal misconceptions and promoting inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. Lindsay-Noel’s impactful advocacy work and dedication to raising awareness about accessibility issues continue to inspire positive changes within the community.