By: Nina He

The thing that sets Barbie apart from other types of dolls is that she comes in different types. Mattel, the company that makes Barbies, have created mermaid Barbie, space alien Barbie, a Diva Barbie series, zombie Barbies, and even a Sugar Plum Fairy Barbie!

But that’s not all these dolls are known for: they are known for their representation of diversity and inclusion. In an effort to make Barbie more relatable to more people, wheelchair Barbie, Prosthetic Limb Barbie, Barbie with Hearing Aids, and Barbie with a Guide Dog were also released.

And now, there’s a Blind Barbie. Released on July 23rd, and complete with a cane, slightly outward pointed eyes, dark glasses, and textured clothing, this doll is suitable for blind children to play with. The box it comes in has the Barbie’s name spelled in Braille, a language of raised dots. This is a language the blind can read. The textured clothing allows for blind children to feel the Barbie and give it a change of outfits easily.

The Barbie was put on shelves after Mattel partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind and the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

Lucy Edwards, a disability activist from Birmingham, Britain, who lost her eyesight at 17 says this means “everything” to her.

Many children look to Barbie dolls as models, and having so many different types gives children with disabilities a chance to do that too.

“I was embarrassed by my 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,” Edwards said.

Overall, this blind Barbie doll can further support the disabled community and allow more children to feel that, like Barbie, they can be beautiful role models too..