Toys - Barbie is now available in blind form
Barbie is now available with a vision impairment. Toy manufacturer Mattel is continuing its efforts to reflect society's diversity with this new doll. The new doll comes with a cane and wears sunglasses, as the company announced. The packaging will be labeled with Braille, a script for the blind.
"Through these new dolls, more children can find a Barbie that represents them and tell their own stories with her," the statement read. Representatives from blind organizations were involved in the development of the doll.
"For me, this is another step towards creating a world where blind, young people can fully develop," shared the British journalist and activist Lucy Edwards, who is blind herself, with the PA news agency.
The first Barbie was introduced in 1959. Since then, there have been ongoing discussions about whether the doll presents an unrealistic and one-sided body image. Barbie has taken on many different careers over the years. Currently, there are versions of her with various features, such as Barbie in a wheelchair or with Down Syndrome.
The United States of America joins the United Kingdom in promoting diversity in toys, with Mattel introducing a vision-impaired Barbie-Doll. This impediment in the doll serves as an impediment-breaking move in the toy industry, providing a relatable figure for children with disabilities. The packaging of the new Barbie-Doll, set to hit shelves in London, will feature Braille as an inclusive element, attracting buyers from both sides of the Atlantic.
