Canadian disability rights advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel is optimistic that her involvement in the upcoming movie “Being Heumann” will help shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing various establishments. Known online as Access by Tay, Lindsay-Noel shares reviews on the accessibility of restaurants and businesses in Toronto, with some of her videos garnering over a million views.
Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 32-year-old started creating these videos to showcase the obstacles encountered by individuals with disabilities when visiting their favorite places. Through her social media presence, Lindsay-Noel urges restaurants and businesses to provide accurate information regarding their accessibility features.
Raised in Toronto, Lindsay-Noel emphasizes the city’s potential for greater inclusivity, highlighting the significant hurdles faced by individuals with disabilities, such as the lack of online accessibility information, inaccessible facilities like washrooms, and entryways. She notes that many of the establishments she reviewed have reached out to her with plans to enhance their accessibility.
Originally a national gymnast, Lindsay-Noel’s life took a different path after a gymnastics accident left her paralyzed from the chest down at the age of 14. Embracing her new reality, she transitioned into various endeavors, including founding her own tea company and engaging in conversations about disability rights.
Driven by her passion, Lindsay-Noel auditioned for a role in “Being Heumann,” a biographical film centered on the life of American disability rights activist Judith Heumann. The film, directed and written by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Lindsay-Noel plays a protester in the movie, describing the experience as a unique opportunity that she cherished.
In addition to her film involvement, Lindsay-Noel has been vocal about combating ableism, stressing the importance of honest conversations to address the pervasive issue faced by disabled individuals. She believes that by fostering understanding and honesty, she can effectively advocate for disability rights through her various platforms.