In a groundbreaking move to promote inclusivity and representation, Mattel has launched the first-ever blind Barbie doll.
The new doll features a white and red cane with a marshmallow tip, sunglasses on her head for eye protection, and a specially designed eye gaze that faces “slightly up and out.”
The doll’s clothes are made of tactile fabric, including a satiny blouse and a textured ruffle skirt, with brightly colored hook fasteners to make dressing easier. The packaging also features braille writing, making it accessible to children with visual impairments.
Mattel partnered with several charities, including the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), to create a doll that accurately depicts individuals with sight loss. Debbie Miller, director of customer advice and support at RNIB, praised the attention to detail in the design.
“Barbie is all about joy – about discovering and understanding the world through play – and it’s wonderful to think that children with a vision impairment can now play with a Barbie that looks like them,” Miller said.
Lucy Edwards, an activist and ambassador for the doll, was overjoyed by the launch. “When I was growing up, I would have only dreamed for this moment to come,” she posted on Instagram. “To be accepted so much that the most popular doll in the world now has a visual impairment and looks like me… I still can’t believe I’m typing this, but blind Barbie is here.”
The new doll is part of Mattel’s efforts to make Barbie more inclusive and representative of diverse populations. The company has faced criticism in the past for its lack of diversity in its product line. This move marks a significant step towards greater representation and accessibility for children with visual impairments.
The blind Barbie doll is now available for purchase online and in select stores, marking a historic moment for inclusivity in the toy industry.
