Mattel launches first blind Barbie doll

Mattel has launched the first blind Barbie doll.

Barbie partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind to ensure details of the blind Barbie doll – including face sculpt, fashion, accessories, packaging and e-commerce communication – accurately depict individuals with blindness or low vision.

The doll comes with a white and red cane with an identifiable marshmallow tip and includes elbow articulations to ensure comfortable cane use. The doll is also designed with an eye gaze facing slightly up and out, to accurately reflect the sometimes-distinct eye gaze of a blind individual.

The doll was tested with blind and low-vision children to ensure it provided an accessible and satisfying play experience. With AFB’s guidance, Barbie designed the doll’s fashion to include a satiny pink blouse with a textured ruffle skirt for tactile interest. Additional details include a brightly coloured high-contrast hook and loop fasteners for closure on the back of the doll’s top, as well as an elastic skirt waistband to make swapping outfits easier.

The accessible packaging for the doll, including the placement and writing of ‘Barbie’ in braille on the package.

In the UK, Mattel consulted with the Royal National Institute of Blind People. Debbie Miller, Director of Customer Advice & Support at the Royal National Institute of Blind People, said: “Barbie is all about joy – about discovering and understanding the world through play – and it’s wonderful to think that children with a vision impairment can now play with a Barbie that looks like them.

“We’re so pleased with the details that have gone into designing this new Barbie, the tactile clothes as well as the cane and the sunglasses. It’s an acknowledgment that not everyone can see well, which means a lot to the blind and partially sighted community. This is a positive step forward in helping children and adults with sight loss feel like they belong and are recognised.”

In addition to the introduction of the first blind Barbie doll, Mattel has once again partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society to introduce a Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome.

The doll accurately represents physical characteristics of people with Down syndrome including a shorter frame, longer torso and low muscle tone. Additionally, the doll’s palms include a single line, a characteristic often associated with those with Down syndrome.

The doll also has a braided hair texture which was one of the key features asked from the Black Down syndrome community.

Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, said: “We recognise that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging.

“We proudly introduce a new blind Barbie doll and Black doll with Down syndrome to our Barbie Fashionistas line, reinforcing our commitment to creating products that represent global belonging and inclusivity in the doll aisle.

“We are delighted to introduce these dolls in partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind and National Down Syndrome Society to further our mission for every young girl to feel represented and celebrated through Barbie.”

The 2024 Fashionistas dolls, including the blind Barbie doll and Black Barbie doll with Down’s Syndrome, are available online now and in store now.

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