- New Barbie doll is part of a range of inclusive dolls manufacturer Mattel has produced
- Doll has been made in consultation with US and UK blindness organisations
- New doll is now available in shops
Barbie has always broken new ground, and this continues with the release of the first ever blind Barbie doll.
Mattel, the company behind the iconic toy, has been working to increase representation across its range of toys for some years. For instance, earlier this year, the first Barbie with Down’s syndrome hit the shelves. A Barbie that uses a wheelchair has been available for some years.
Realistic as possible
To ensure that the blind Barbie was as realistic as possible – as well as containing features that will be interesting for children who are blind or have low vision – Mattel partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind in the US and the Royal National Institute of Blind People in the UK.
As a result, the doll has a range of features including a cane and dark glasses, and her eyes look slightly up and outwards, which reflects the gaze that some blind people have.
In addition, the doll has textured clothing, with Velcro fastenings, making it easier for children who are blind or have low vision to feel what she is wearing and the box has Barbie spelled out in Braille, the language of raised dots that blind people use to read.
Incredible representation
Broadcaster and disability activist Lucy Edwards, who is blind, was the first person in the UK to meet the new Barbie. As reported by PA News, she explained the significance of Mattel releasing the doll. She said it is another step towards creating a world that is made for blind young people to thrive.
Edwards added that it was “incredible” that the doll had been created and that there was representation for blind young people. “If I had a representation that said blindness is sassy, blindness is cool, blindness is OK, then I would have been more OK with losing my vision, but it was scary,” she said.
The blind Barbie is now available in shops.
