How The Dragon Prince is Revolutionizing Disability Awareness in Fantasy Shows

The Dragon Prince, a new animated Netflix show taking place in a fantasy realm where humans are at war with elves over the slaughter of an evil entity called the Dragon King and his only heir, an egg that had not yet hatched when he was killed.

This show features a host of diverse characters, one character, in particular, is one of the prince's of the realms' aunt (General Amaya). She is mute and speaks ASL, with a guard at her side to translate. We see Amaya, a commander of her own legion and skilled fighter, communicating through ASL as though it was a spoken language, exactly as it should be. Her disability isn't a major part of her identity, nor is it portrayed as hindering her abilities in any way. This is fairly revolutionary for an animated show, especially one centered around magic/war/fighting. Often, magic can only be performed by using words as well as hand signs, and commanders are seen yelling at their men and giving orders quickly.

The Dragon Prince is changing how people with disabilities can exist in all worlds, fantasy or not.