Canadian disability rights advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel is optimistic that her involvement in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann” will raise awareness about 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 various restaurants and businesses in Toronto, with some of her videos garnering over a million views. She initiated creating these videos post the COVID-19 pandemic to showcase the obstacles individuals with disabilities encounter while frequenting their favorite places.
Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide accurate details regarding their accessibility features. Born and raised in Toronto, she emphasizes that the city has the resources to be more inclusive.
Lindsay-Noel highlighted that many establishments fail to offer their accessibility information online, and issues like inaccessible washrooms and entrance doors pose significant hurdles. However, she mentioned that the majority of restaurants she reviewed have reached out to her, expressing their commitment to enhancing accessibility.
At the age of 14, Lindsay-Noel, a former national gymnast, suffered a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed from the chest down. This incident prompted her to redefine herself beyond her athletic identity and embrace new opportunities, including founding her tea company.
Motivated by her advocacy for disability rights, Lindsay-Noel auditioned for “Being Heumann,” a biopic centered on American disability rights activist Judith Heumann. The film is scheduled to debut at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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 1977. Ruth Madeley portrays the lead role of Heumann, with Mark Ruffalo and Dylan O’Brien in supporting roles.
The sit-in involved over 100 demonstrators, predominantly disabled activists and allies, advocating for the implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to safeguard the rights of individuals with disabilities. Lindsay-Noel praised Heumann’s pivotal role in the disability rights movement, acknowledging the challenges faced during the protest.
Lindsay-Noel described her experience in the film as a unique opportunity, portraying a protester who participated in the sit-in. She commended Heder for creating an inclusive environment on set and praised her for valuing each cast member, irrespective of their role size.
In addition to her film involvement, Lindsay-Noel actively addresses ableism, emphasizing the importance of open and honest discussions about disability issues. She believes that fostering understanding through candid conversations is crucial for advocating for disability rights effectively.