Popular doll range becomes more inclusive with wheelchair accessory and prosthetic limb
Available from June 2019, the Barbie Fashionistas range will see a doll with a wheelchair accessory and a doll with a prosthetic limb join the line, taking a more inclusive approach to toys.
Designed to reflect a variety of appearances and identities, the Barbie Fashionista line has over 100 different looks.
Mattel, the toy manufacturer behind Barbie as well as other popular toys such as Hot Wheels, Polly Pocket and Disney Toy Story, announced on the 11th of February that the new dolls will reflect differing levels of mobility as well as disability with the prosthetic limb and wheelchair. In addition, new dolls to the range will showcase different body types and hair textures.
Mattel will also sell a wheelchair ramp.
According to Mashable, Mattel said in a statement: “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.”
The toy company designed the wheelchair accessory as a result of customer feedback requesting for the mobility aid to be included.
Mattel worked alongside UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital and wheelchair experts to ensure the toy wheelchair was an accurate replica of real wheelchairs. The wheelchair can be paired with any of the dolls from the Made to Move Barbie line.
The doll with a removable prosthetic limb came from a partnership between Mattel and 13-year-old Jordan Reeves, Founder of the non-profit organisation Born Just Right, which aims to design creative solutions for children “born with differences” to lead a more enjoyable life.