By: Jasmine Sun

The toy company Mattel released the first blind Barbie on 23 July 2024 in its efforts to ensure that the iconic doll is more inclusive of all members of society.

Toy company Mattel has released the first ever blind Barbie in its latest move to make the doll more inclusive and represent more sections of society. When developing the doll, Mattel worked with the American Foundation for the Blind to ensure that the details, from doll sculpting, clothes, accessories, and the packaging experience, correctly represented the people with sight loss. The Barbie doll’s features are intended to correctly reflect a blind person, as well as be engaging for children who are blind or have low vision. The doll’s clothing had been designed using tactical fabric, like a blouse and a textured ruffle skirt. The doll’s clothes have colorful hook fasteners to make changing them easier. The US toymaker said the blind Barbie doll, which is now available online and in-store, has been created in a bid to make children with blindness or low vision be more represented in society.

A disability activist and broadcaster, Lucy Edwards, who is blind, appears in a campaign with the new Barbie. She lost her sight when she was 17. Lucy Edwards said the launch of the blind Barbie doll means “everything to me.” She also said, “As a teenager, I felt isolated by losing my eyesight and not seeing role models like me. I was embarrassed by my walking cane – but knowing Barbie had a cane would have made me feel so differently about mine and helped me feel less alone on my journey to accept and embrace my blindness.”

Krista Berger, the senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls, said in a statement. “We recognize that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging,”

Launching the blind Barbie doll marks a good step towards inclusivity and representation for kids with disabilities.