Mattel debuts its first-ever blind Barbie | REUTERS

Summary

Mattel introduces the first-ever blind Barbie doll, a significant step towards inclusivity and representation. Collaborating with organizations like the Royal National Institute of Blind People and the American Foundation for the Blind, Mattel has crafted a doll with a cane, textured clothing, and realistic articulation to engage the senses. This addition to the line of diverse Barbies, including those with hearing loss and Down syndrome, aims to educate and raise awareness, showing that everyone is represented and valued.

Takeaways

• 🎉 Barbie has introduced a new doll representing the blind community, a first in their history.
• 🌟 The doll is particularly significant for Lucy Edwards, a blind broadcaster and disability activist, who sees it as a representation of herself.
• 👧 The introduction of the blind Barbie aims to provide role models for young blind girls who previously did not see themselves represented in toys.
• 🤝 Toy maker Mattel collaborated with organizations like the Royal National Institute of Blind People and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to create the doll.
• 📝 These organizations provided input on the doll's design, including her outfit and the accessibility of Mattel's website.
• 🔍 The goal is to increase awareness and understanding between the sighted and blind communities.
• 👓 The blind Barbie includes features such as a cane with a tactile tip, sunglasses, and textured fabrics for sensory engagement.
• 👗 The doll is dressed in practical clothing with fastenings that are easy to manage and articulated elbow joints for realistic cane use.
• 💡 This new doll is part of a series of inclusive dolls from Mattel, including those representing hearing loss, Down syndrome, and wheelchair use.
• 🌈 The introduction of the blind Barbie is seen as a step towards greater inclusivity and acceptance in society.
• 💪 For young people struggling with their identity, the blind Barbie serves as a symbol that they are enough and are represented.

Q & A

What is the significance of the first-ever blind Barbie doll for the blind community?

The first-ever blind Barbie doll is significant for the blind community as it represents a long-awaited moment of inclusion and representation. It provides a role model for young blind girls who previously did not see themselves represented in the world of toys.

Who is Lucy Edwards and why is she excited about the blind Barbie doll?

Lucy Edwards is a blind broadcaster and disability activist. She is excited about the blind Barbie doll because it represents a moment she had longed for, as it offers representation and visibility for blind individuals in mainstream culture.

Which organizations did Mattel collaborate with to create the blind Barbie doll?

Mattel collaborated with several organizations dedicated to aiding the blind community, including the Royal National Institute of Blind People and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).

What kind of input did these organizations provide for the creation of the blind Barbie doll?

These organizations provided input on various aspects of the doll, including its outfit, the tactile cane, the company's website accessibility, and the overall design to ensure it was representative and accessible for the blind.

What is the role of Eric Bridges in this initiative?

Eric Bridges is the CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). He believes that Barbie, as an iconic brand, having a doll like this can help educate sighted individuals about the blind community and raise awareness.

What are some of the features of the blind Barbie doll that make it accessible and representative for the blind?

The blind Barbie doll includes a cane with a tactile marshmallow tip, sunglasses with a textured design, vibrant fabrics for sensory engagement, practical clothing fastenings, and articulated elbow joints for realistic cane use.

How does the introduction of the blind Barbie doll follow a series of inclusive dolls by Mattel?

The blind Barbie doll is part of Mattel's series of inclusive dolls, which also includes dolls representing hearing loss, Down syndrome, and wheelchair use, showcasing the company's commitment to diversity and representation.

What message does the introduction of the blind Barbie doll convey to young people struggling with their identity?

The introduction of the blind Barbie doll sends a message to young people, especially those with disabilities, that they are accepted, represented, and that they are enough, encouraging them to embrace their identity.

How does the blind Barbie doll contribute to the broader goal of inclusivity and representation in toys?

The blind Barbie doll contributes to the goal of inclusivity and representation by providing a diverse range of role models for children, ensuring that all children can see themselves reflected in the toys they play with.

What is the potential impact of the blind Barbie doll on the perception of the blind community by the sighted community?

The blind Barbie doll has the potential to positively impact the perception of the blind community by the sighted community by increasing understanding, empathy, and awareness of the experiences and capabilities of blind individuals.

What does the creation of the blind Barbie doll say about the evolving role of toys in promoting diversity and inclusion?

The creation of the blind Barbie doll indicates that toys are increasingly being recognized as important tools for promoting diversity and inclusion, reflecting societal changes and the need for representation in all aspects of life, including play.