By: Ellie Zhang 1

The inclusive world of Barbie is expanding yet again–this time, with a first-ever blind Barbie doll, introduced by toy manufacturing company, Mattel, on July 23, 2024.

The company paired with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to create and design their new doll.

“As we wrap up Disability Pride Month, we believe this is an excellent way to make children worldwide feel included, regardless of their abilities,” Tony Stephens of the AFB told CBS News.

The Barbie Doll holds a white-and-red cane with a black, insertable handle, and a stylish pair of dark glasses resting on top of her head. She wears a satiny pink blouse and a purple ruffled skirt. The textures make it easy for visually impaired children to feel and identify the doll’s outfit.

A realistic feature added to the doll are its eyes, which are facing slightly up and out to reflect some blind people’s gaze.

The word ‘Barbie’ has been written in braille on the packaging of the blind Barbie doll. Braille is a language made up of raised dots that the blind can feel and read with their fingers.

Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie, said on Yahoo: “We recognize that Barbie is much more than a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging.”

Things are gradually improving, and having the first blind Barbie doll is a huge step at inclusion for all doll-lovers.

Sources:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/cw9yvj8q08zo

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/barbie-down-syndrome-blind-barbie

https://ca.style.yahoo.com/first-blind-barbie-released-toy-055801188.html