Canadian advocate for disability rights, Taylor Lindsay-Noel, aspires to leverage her contribution in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann” to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing essential services.
Known online as Access by Tay, Lindsay-Noel creates content reviewing the accessibility of various establishments in Toronto, with some of her videos garnering over a million views. The 32-year-old initiated this endeavor post the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to shed light on the obstacles encountered by people with disabilities while frequenting their favorite venues.
Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide accurate information regarding their accessibility features. The Toronto-native believes the city possesses the resources to foster greater inclusivity but highlights the lack of online accessibility information by some establishments, along with issues like inaccessible restrooms and entryways, as prominent hurdles.
Having suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 14 during her gymnastics career, Lindsay-Noel emphasizes the importance of redefining oneself beyond physical capabilities. Her journey from being a national gymnast to establishing her own tea company reflects her resilience and determination to seize every opportunity life offers.
Driven by her passion for disability rights advocacy, Lindsay-Noel auditioned for a role in “Being Heumann,” a biopic centered around American disability rights activist Judith Heumann. The film, directed and scripted by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, is slated to kick off the Toronto International Film Festival.
Lindsay-Noel, who plays a protestor in the movie, describes the experience as a unique and memorable opportunity that made her feel valued as part of the production. She commends Heder for creating an inclusive and supportive environment on set, reminiscent of the director’s previous critically acclaimed work, “CODA.”
In addition to her film involvement, Lindsay-Noel addresses the prevalent issue of ableism in society, stressing the significance of open and honest conversations about disability. She believes that transparency and empathy are crucial in fostering understanding and dismantling barriers faced by individuals with disabilities.