Canadian disability advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel, known as Access by Tay online, is set to appear in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann,” aiming to shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing various establishments. Lindsay-Noel, based in Toronto, produces videos reviewing the accessibility of restaurants and businesses in the city, garnering millions of views.
Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 32-year-old started creating these videos to showcase the obstacles people with disabilities encounter when patronizing their preferred venues. Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel advocates for establishments to offer accurate information regarding their accessibility features.
Having experienced a spinal cord injury at the age of 14 during her gymnastics career, Lindsay-Noel emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in her hometown of Toronto, stressing the need for businesses to provide transparent accessibility details. She points out that the lack of online accessibility information, along with physical barriers like inaccessible restrooms and entryways, poses significant challenges for individuals with disabilities.
Despite encountering various obstacles, Lindsay-Noel notes that most of the restaurants she reviewed have reached out to her with plans for improving their accessibility features. She believes that creating awareness and fostering dialogue about disability rights are essential steps towards a more inclusive society.
Lindsay-Noel’s involvement in “Being Heumann,” a film directed and written by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, reflects her commitment to advocating for disability rights. The movie centers on the activism of Judith Heumann, a key figure in the fight for disability rights in the United States. Lindsay-Noel’s participation in the film marks a significant opportunity for her to contribute to the portrayal of disability activism on screen.
Acknowledging the importance of representation and honest conversations about disability, Lindsay-Noel addresses the prevalent issue of ableism in society. She emphasizes the value of open and understanding dialogues to drive positive change and promote inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
