Why Disney’s 'Wish' has a character with a disability

Dahlia (with glasses) reflects the vibrant diversity of our communities, including characters with disabilities. Photos: Instagram/ Disney’s Wish

In the magical world of Disney’s movie Wish, the protagonist wishes on a star, which leads to a quest to support her community.

That mirrors Maddy Ullman’s experience working on the movie as an authenticity consultant. Growing up in a small town in Colorado, the United States, she didn’t see a lot of characters who reflected her experience as a Chinese American adoptee with cerebral palsy who’s also diabetic and neurodivergent.