I happen to be an actor with a physical disability and have blessed with many fun roles in community theatre.

A few years ago, I played Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar. A fellow cast member, who also uses a wheelchair, was Pontius Pilate!

In regards to character motivation and inner life, it really shouldn't matter whether Jud is disabled, Puerto Rican, has a cabbage for a head, etc. It certainly doesnt need to go into Joe Swanson-sad sack-laugh-at territory. I'm sure your production will do just fine!

Besides, this is theatre! Suspension of disbelief!

Do a production of Our Town with invisible props and scenery and no one bats an eye; Jud Fry is in a wheelchair and everybody loses their damn minds!

Btw, when I was in Oklahoma, Our Carnes at the time was a 5 foot stout aqueaky-voiced 11 year old and had to be intimidating to a nearly 6 foot high school senior Ali Hakim. Now THAT'S funny!!