Mattel, the company that owns the Barbie brand, has unveiled its first doll for the blind with a cane. This novelty is part of the inclusive Barbie Fashionistas line, launched in 2009.
The Guardian reports that the doll was created by Mattel in collaboration with the American Foundation for the Blind, who assisted the designers - their goal was to create a look that accurately and respectfully portrays the image of blind and visually impaired people.
Blind Barbie, holding a white and red cane with a marshmallow (marshmallow) tip, has an upward and sideways gaze that reflects the characteristic gaze of a visually impaired person.
The doll is dressed in clothing with tactile elements, including a pink satin T-shirt and purple tulle skirt to make dressing easier for children. The packaging has been made more accessible and the doll's name is written in Braille.
The Royal National Institute for the Blind came out in support of the novelty, noting that such a doll will help children with visual impairments to feel part of society. Along with it, the first black doll with Down syndrome will be released.
Both dolls are part of the Barbie Fashionistas series, which was launched in 2009 and first offered diversity in the selection of dolls with different body shapes and skin colors. By 2019, the collection had grown significantly to 176 models, offering nine unique body types, 35 different skin tones, and 94 hairstyle options.
In 2022, the first Barbie doll with a hearing impairment was introduced, as well as a Ken doll with vitiligo (a chronic skin condition in which clearly defined milky white depigmented or hypochromic spots and discolored hair appear on various parts of the body).
Earlier it was reported that demand for Barbie dolls has doubled in Russia.