Mattel is expanding its collection of inclusive dolls with the release of the first blind Barbie.
The Barbie, releases by Mattel during its 65th anniversary year, has features that allow accessible play for children with sight loss as well as representing a visually impaired woman.
The brand partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind to ensure that the doll accurately represented a young woman who is blind or has low vision.
The doll comes with a cane with a marshmallow tip, sunglasses, textured and vibrant fabrics, Velcro fastenings on clothing, and elbow articulations to ensure comfortable cane use.
Additionally, the doll also has been designed with an eye gaze facing slightly up and out to reflect the sometimes-distinct eye gaze of a blind individual.