Erin Feeney, of Naperville, Illinois, has lived with cerebral palsy for most of her life. The condition affected her speech, and she can only communicate non-verbally. She also needs a wheelchair to get around. Despite all of her hurdles, she’s managed to score an opportunity that could lead a dream career.
FOX 5 reports that Erin, 25, landed the opportunity to pitch story ideas for Disney’s Doc McStuffin’s, one of her favorite television shows. Shea Fontana, the writer of the show, met with Feeney after she read “Kids in Toyland,” Feeny’s first novel that was turned into a prize-winning short film. Fontana, who met Erin backstage after a Disney on Ice show, “Follow Your Heart,” at Chicago’s United Center, told FOX 5 that is was honor to meet someone so talented.
“It’s such an honor to be here and meet Erin, I was able to read all of her stuff before I came, and she is a very talented writer.”
Fontana also touched on the Doc McStuffin’s show. The writer thinks Erin would make a wonderful asset to the show, given its theme.
“Doc McStuffins is all about kids having this acceptance, and realizing that no matter what, no matter what life throws at them, they can follow their dreams,” Fontana explained.
Although Feeney gets around in a wheelchair and she vocally communicate, her writing is nothing short of amazing. Despite her hurdles, she’s managed to not only carve out a career for herself, but also show others with disabilities that they, too, can succeed.
Her parents are proud of her success. Erin’s father, Kevin Feeney, said that it’s amazing his daughter has the opportunity, regardless of the outcome is.
“You know, whether it leads to the fulfilment of her dream to actually work for Disney, I don’t know. Just getting the opportunity, it’s wonderful, it’s almost like a first job…How many people actually get their dreams [to] come true? So we’re excited about it.” Kevin said.
Another surprise was in store for Erin, when she met on of her favorite Disney princess characters. She’s hoping she’ll meet them all day, but the best surprise was meet Fontana and having the opportunity to take her talents to the next level.
“Belle is one of Erin’s favorite Disney princesses,” Kevin Feeney said. “Belle came in carrying a copy of the book Erin wrote and asked her to autograph it, which she did. Belle also gave Erin several gifts, including a program with all the autographs of the people in the show.
Erin is currently an English major at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She primarily uses boards with letters and words attached to her wheelchair to communicate.
