Mattel releases first-ever blind Barbie

Barbie by Mattel, known for its inclusive line of products, has added two new dolls to their ever-expanding repertoire. 

The first is a blind Barbie complete with a satiny blouse, textured ruffle skirt, a cane with a marshmallow tip, and functional sunglasses. The doll comes in accessible packaging with ‘Barbie’ written in Braille. 

Reportedly Mattel collaborated with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) both to make sure the doll was accessible and to ensure the depiction of low visibility and blindness was on point.  

The release marks the last few days of July, celebrated globally as Disability Pride Month. 

“As we wrap up Disability Pride month, we believe this is an excellent way to make children worldwide feel included, regardless of their abilities,” said Tony Stephens of the AFB. 

Eric Bridges, CEO of the AFB, said blind people have historically been misrepresented in the media, so he hopes this will educate people about blindness and vision impairment. 

In early 2020, the company had released its most diverse line yet, called the Barbie Fashionistas, featuring a doll with vitiligo, another with no hair, and yet another with dark skin and a prosthetic limb. 

These dolls were released with the intent of shining a light on conditions such as vitiligo and alopecia, as well as limb difference. 

Then, in 2023, Mattel collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society and released the first-ever Barbie with Down Syndrome. 

What’s worthy of mention is the brand has been including people with lived experience of all these conditions in the production of the dolls that represent them. 

“Our latest additions to the Barbie Fashionista line are part of our continued effort to represent global diversity and inclusivity in the fashion doll aisle and reflect the world children experience today, encouraging empathy through play,” said Krista Berger, the senior vice president of Barbie, in a press release.