Canadian disability advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel is set to appear in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann” in a bid to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing public spaces. Known as Access by Tay online, Lindsay-Noel creates video reviews highlighting the accessibility features of restaurants and businesses in Toronto, some of which have garnered over a million views.
Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 32-year-old began producing these videos to shed light on the obstacles encountered by people with disabilities when frequenting their favorite establishments. Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges businesses to provide accurate accessibility information to ensure inclusivity.
Born and raised in Toronto, Lindsay-Noel emphasizes the city’s potential for greater inclusivity, stressing the importance of accurate accessibility details for individuals with disabilities. She notes challenges such as lack of online accessibility information, inaccessible facilities like washrooms and entrance doors, which hinder access for many.
In her reviews, Lindsay-Noel highlights areas where businesses can improve accessibility, noting that most establishments she has reviewed have reached out with plans for enhancements. The former national gymnast, who suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 14, emphasizes the need for a more inclusive society and uses her platform to advocate for disability rights.
Lindsay-Noel’s participation in “Being Heumann,” a biopic about disability rights activist Judith Heumann, marks a significant milestone in her advocacy journey. The film, directed by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, delves into the historic sit-in protest at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1977, showcasing the resilience of disabled activists in demanding equal rights.
The film’s portrayal of the sit-in protest, led by Heumann, resonates with Lindsay-Noel, who commends the activists’ perseverance despite the challenges they faced. Lindsay-Noel’s cameo in the movie symbolizes a unique opportunity for her to contribute to the representation of disability rights on screen.
Beyond her acting debut, Lindsay-Noel continues to raise awareness about ableism and advocates for honest conversations surrounding disability. She believes that fostering understanding and transparency is crucial in addressing the pervasive issue of ableism, both in her reviews and broader advocacy efforts.
