The fight for inclusivity and diversity on children toys keeps growing. Barbie’s dolls announced new looks, a move Mattel, Barbie’s makers, says they will “showcase a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion”.
According to CNN, the new Barbie dolls with a prosthetic leg and another with a wheelchair will debut in June 2019.
The new dolls are part of Mattel’s 2019 Barbie Fashionistas line, which aims to offer more diverse representations of beauty.
“As a brand, we can elevate the conversation around physical disabilities by including them into our fashion doll line to further showcase a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion,” Mattel said.
The company collaborated with 13-year-old disability activist, Jordan Reeves to create the doll with the removable prosthetic limb. They also worked with UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital and wheelchair experts to design a wheelchair for the doll.
“While there are many types of wheelchairs, this chair is modelled after one that is designed for an individual who has a permanent physical disability.”
The dolls’ new looks are reportedly well-received among disability rights activists.
Would you get one for a loved one?
