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 public spaces. Lindsay-Noel, a former national gymnast from Toronto, began creating videos reviewing the accessibility of restaurants and businesses in the city post-COVID-19 to illustrate the obstacles faced by people with disabilities.
Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel advocates for accurate accessibility information to be readily available from establishments. She emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in Toronto, stating that many places lack vital accessibility details online, with barriers like inaccessible washrooms and entrances hindering individuals with disabilities.
Despite encountering obstacles, Lindsay-Noel notes that the majority of the restaurants she reviewed have expressed intentions to enhance their accessibility features following her feedback. Her journey from a gymnast to a disability rights activist and entrepreneur has led her to audition for “Being Heumann,” a film centered on the life of American disability rights activist Judith Heumann, set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The movie delves into the historic 28-day sit-in protest at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1977, advocating for the enforcement of regulations safeguarding the rights of individuals with disabilities. Lindsay-Noel highlights the significance of such actions in advancing the disability rights movement, acknowledging the challenges faced by activists during the protest.
Lindsay-Noel, who played a non-speaking role as one of the protesters in the film, described the experience as a unique opportunity that made her feel valued. She commends the director, Sian Heder, known for her work on “CODA,” for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment on set. Lindsay-Noel stresses the importance of addressing ableism and promoting honest conversations about disability to foster understanding and inclusivity in society.