Representation matters. Seeing characters and people with limb differences in books, TV shows, and movies helps kids feel seen and understand that they’re not alone.
Movies & TV
Nemo (Finding Nemo)
Nemo has a smaller “lucky fin” that sets him apart. His story shows that differences can be strengths.
Hiccup and Toothless (How to Train Your Dragon)
Hiccup and his dragon Toothless use prosthetics, and it’s one of the most empowering parts of the story. Hiccup loses part of his leg in the first movie and wears a prosthetic from that point on. Toothless is missing part of his tail, and the two of them adapt together, learning how to fly as a team. What’s especially cool is that this isn’t treated as a sad or dramatic plot point. It’s just part of who they are. Their prosthetics evolve over the series as Hiccup designs new versions, not because something is wrong, but because that’s what inventors and heroes do. They’re strong, capable, and inspiring, without needing to “overcome” anything.
Massimo Marcovaldo (Luca)
Massimo, Giulia’s father, was born with one arm. He’s a fisherman and cook and one of the strongest characters in the movie, both physically and emotionally.
Roz (The Wild Robot)
Roz is the main character in The Wild Robot, an animated film based on the bestselling book by Peter Brown. After washing up on a remote island, Roz learns to survive and build relationships with the animals around her. At one point in the story, Roz's leg breaks off, and the animals work together to help her replace it with a wooden leg. This moment highlights adaptation, community, and resilience, offering a gentle and meaningful metaphor for limb difference. Roz’s journey is both emotional and inspiring, making her a powerful character for children to connect with.
Echo (Echo) and Bucky Barnes (Captain America: The Winter Soldier)Marvel Cinematic Universe
Echo, also known as Maya Lopez, is a Native American, deaf, and amputee superhero introduced in the Hawkeye series. She’s played by Alaqua Cox, an actress who is deaf and an amputee herself, bringing an incredible level of authenticity and representation to the role. Echo’s character is fiercely independent and strong. She uses a prosthetic leg, she fights with skill and precision, stands toe to toe with major characters, and leads her own story. Seeing a real amputee in such a dynamic Marvel role is incredibly meaningful for kids who rarely see heroes who look like them on screen.
Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier, is another example of a powerful character who uses a prosthetic arm. After losing his left arm, he’s given a mechanical replacement that becomes part of his identity as both a feared assassin and later a redeemed hero. What’s especially impactful is that Bucky’s story doesn’t frame the prosthetic as a weakness. In fact, it’s often portrayed as a strength. Over the course of the series, we see him learning to regain control of his life, identity, and relationships. His arm evolves with him, from a tool of control to something he uses as a force for good. Both Bucky and Echo show that having a limb difference doesn’t limit a person’s ability to lead, fight, and protect others.
Ginkgo (Tumble Leaf)
Ginkgo is a cheerful crab with a wooden prosthetic claw. His calm demeanor and problem-solving skills help show that differences are part of everyday life.
Luna (An Almost Christmas Story)
Luna is a young girl with a limb difference featured in this 2023 Disney+ holiday short. Her story brings disability representation to seasonal family viewing.
Finn (Adventure Time)
In the rich and surreal world of Adventure Time, Finn’s story includes a recurring theme where he loses his arm, not just once, but across multiple timelines and alternate realities. Whether it's the Finn we follow in the main story, or future and alternate versions like Farmworld Finn or Prismo’s visions, each one eventually ends up missing an arm. At one point, Finn even receives a mechanical replacement. Instead of focusing on loss, the show treats this thread as part of his destiny and growth. He continues to be brave, compassionate, and adventurous, with or without his arm. It’s a powerful and subtle message that change doesn’t diminish who you are, it’s just another part of the journey.
Ballister Boldheart (Nimona)
Ballister, once a celebrated knight, returns in Nimona with a sleek prosthetic arm and a complicated public reputation. He’s thoughtful, steady, and unexpectedly funny, a grounded counterbalance to Nimona’s chaos. His limb difference is just one part of a richly layered character who’s navigating loyalty, trust, and what it means to be a hero on his own terms.
Star Wars Characters (Star Wars)
Characters like Luke Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker, and Darth Maul all have prosthetic limbs, showing that even in a galaxy far, far away, limb difference is part of the journey.
Della Duck (DuckTales 2017)
Della, Donald Duck’s sister, has a robotic prosthetic leg after being stranded on the moon. She’s adventurous and confident.
Anthony Robles (Unstoppable)
This film tells the true story of Anthony Robles, who was born with only one leg and became an NCAA wrestling champion. The movie portrays his journey from high school wrestling to winning a national title at Arizona State University. Anthony's determination and resilience are central to the story, highlighting how he navigated challenges both on and off the mat. His physical difference is presented as part of his identity, not a limitation, showcasing his strength and perseverance.
Paralympic athletes (Rising Phoenix)
This documentary profiles nine Paralympic athletes from around the world, including individuals with limb differences. It delves into their personal stories and the history of the Paralympic Games, illustrating how these athletes have overcome various challenges to compete at the highest levels. The film emphasizes their athleticism, dedication, and the broader impact of the Paralympic movement on perceptions of disability and ability.
Books
The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt
This isn’t directly about disability, but it’s one of our favorite books. It’s a beautiful analogy about being different and learning to embrace it.
The Mermaid With No Tail
Written by Paralympic gold medalist Jessica Long, this inspiring children's book tells the story of a mermaid who is different from the others, she was born without a tail. Through beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming narrative, the story explores how differences can be sources of strength and uniqueness. It’s a gentle and empowering message for kids with limb differences, from someone who has lived that experience herself.
Roxy and Maliboo
A story about a dog who loses a leg and gains confidence along the way.
The Girl with the Robot Leg
A fun, empowering story about a young girl with a prosthetic leg. There are multiple books in this series.
Just Ask
Written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, this book encourages kids to ask questions and celebrate differences.
What Happened to You?
Written by a limb different author, this book explores what it’s like to be asked intrusive questions and how to build confidence.
You Are Enough
Inspired by Sofia Sanchez, this book is about inclusion, kindness, and embracing who you are.
We Move Together
A story about disability justice, accessibility, and building inclusive communities together.
Athletes & Representation
Jessica Long
Jessica Long is one of the most decorated Paralympic swimmers of all time. Born in Siberia and adopted by an American family, she had both legs amputated below the knee at 18 months old. Her strength, perseverance, and talent have made her a role model to many families. She has competed in multiple Paralympic Games and won dozens of medals. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok.
Kendra Herber
Kendra was born with fibular hemimelia and became an amputee at age two. She is a paratriathlete, model, teacher, and author, and she now competes in para-standing tennis. Her advocacy and openness about limb difference and body image are empowering to many. Find her on Instagram.
Hunter Woodhall
Hunter is a double below-knee amputee sprinter and Paralympic medalist. He made history as the first double-amputee to earn a Division I NCAA scholarship. Hunter and his wife, Olympian Tara Davis-Woodhall, share their lives and athletic journeys together. You can follow them on Instagram.
Jim Abbott
Jim Abbott was born without a right hand and became a Major League pitcher who threw a no-hitter in 1993. He played ten seasons in the MLB and later became a motivational speaker, sharing his story of resilience and adaptation. You can follow him here: X
Toys & Dolls
A Step Ahead Prosthetics offers custom prosthetic limbs for American Girl dolls at no cost to families. It's a beautiful way to help kids see themselves in their toys.
Gwen with her doll from A Step Ahead Prosthetics
Barbie has also released several dolls that feature prosthetic legs, limb differences, and mobility aids. These toys help normalize physical differences and expand the ways kids can imagine themselves and their world.
Clothing
Mermaid Strides
Mermaid Strides is an Etsy store creating inspiring apparel that celebrates limb differences. Born from a journey of love, resilience, and the desire to embrace uniqueness, the shop was inspired by a daughter who is bravely living as a double below-knee amputee.
Their clothing features vibrant designs with animals, princesses, superheroes, and more, all centered around positive and empowering limb difference themes.
Mermaid Strides was started to fill a gap in available apparel, offering uplifting designs that help kids feel seen and celebrated. It's a thoughtful, inclusive line made to spread joy and confidence through every piece.
Inspirational Paralympic Commercials
These Toyota commercials honoring Paralympic athletes left a huge impression on us as parents. They highlight the courage, resilience, and heart behind every journey.
Home | First Steps | Sports & Activities | Groups & Community | Accessible Playgrounds | Camps & Programs | Travel & Vacations | Limb Difference in Media | Prosthetics & Equipment | Care Teams & Providers