From a variety of different body styles to impressive new careers, Barbie has come a long way in the last couple years and now she’s getting a new addition that is making the iconic doll even more inclusive. Mattel has just announced that the 2019 Barbie Fashionistas line, which already includes Barbie dolls with various body types and hairstyles, has just unveiled two new differently abled dolls.
The first doll will be in a wheelchair and the second will be fitted with a prosthetic leg. “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 in a statement.
photo: Courtesy of Mattel
Barbie’s wheelchair was designed in partnership with UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital and wheelchair experts to ensure that it reflected a realistic wheelchair. “While there are many types of wheelchairs, this chair is modeled after one that is designed for an individual who has a permanent physical disability,” Mattel said.
Mattel also worked with Jordan Reeves, a 13-year-old disability activist who was born without a left forearm, to design the doll with the prosthetic limb. It can be removed just like a real one!
There will also be a Barbie DreamHouse compatible ramp available with the wheelchair. The new Barbie dolls will be available to purchase in stores this summer.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
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