Meet the world's first-ever blind Barbie, who makes it 'cool to be blind'
Barbie¡¯s latest release includes a groundbreaking blind doll with a cane and tactile features, marking a historic step in inclusivity.
Barbie has been a beloved fixture of childhood, especially for girls, with her iconic plastic dolls in fabulous outfits sparking our imaginations. However, she hasn't escaped criticism for often sticking to traditional beauty standards and stereotypes.
Thankfully, toy company Mattel has been making strides toward inclusivity, introducing Barbie with diverse body types, prosthetic legs, hearing aids, wheelchairs, and even vitiligo.
Now, Mattel is raising the bar yet again with an exciting new addition: the first-ever blind Barbie, taking inclusivity to a whole new level!
What does blind Barbie look like?
Credit: Instagram
In a historic move, Barbie is stepping into a new era of inclusivity with the latest release!
Blind barbie comes equipped with a white and red cane, featuring a marshmallow tip, and sports stylish sunglasses for extra eye protection.
Blind @barbie is here & I am her ambassador ? AD This is not a drill! The most popular doll in the world has a long white cane. Now blind people everywhere can grow up feeling represented & play with dolls that look like them ? this really is a dream moment ? #Barbie @AFB1921 pic.twitter.com/wTnCKGQ0KF
¡ª Lucy Edwards???? (@lucyedwards) July 23, 2024
Her eye gaze is thoughtfully designed to look "slightly up and out," as noted by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), which collaborated with Mattel on this innovative project.
Barbie's wardrobe also embraces accessibility, with tactile fabrics like a satiny blouse and a textured ruffle skirt, along with brightly colored hook fasteners for easy dressing.
Plus, the packaging includes braille writing, making it even more inclusive.
Disability activist Lucy Edwards, who is blind and features in the doll's campaign, shared her personal connection: "When I was growing up I would have only dreamed for this moment to come. 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."
Lucy Edwards with 'Blind Barbie'/ Mattel
She further adds, "It is cool to be disabled and it is cool to be blind. Now blind people everywhere can grow up feeling represented and playing with dolls that look like them. This really is a dream moment for me."
In addition to the first blind Barbie, Mattel is also introducing a Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome, continuing its commitment to diversify and celebrate all children.
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