The first blind Barbie has been revealed – complete with white and red cane, sunglasses and tactile clothing.
Mattel’s manufacturers were advised by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to ensure the doll’s design was “authentic”.
3
3
The charity says its upward and outward-facing eyes “reflect the sometimes distinctive gaze of a blind individual” and the cane has an identifiable marshmallow tip.
Broadcaster Lucy Edwards gave her approval to the doll, whose packaging says “Barbie” in braille.
Lucy, 28, BBC Radio 1’s first blind presenter, said: “Seeing the world’s best-known doll present a blind Barbie makes me feel so seen. It means everything to me.”
Lucy, who lost her sight at 17 due to a rare genetic disease, added: “I was embarrassed about my cane – but knowing Barbie had a cane would have made me feel very different.
“It would have helped me feel less alone on my journey to accept and embrace my blindness.”
Debbie Miller, from RNIB, said: “It’s wonderful to think that visually impaired children can now play with a Barbie that looks just like them.
“It is an acknowledgment that not everyone can see well, which means a lot to the blind and partially sighted community.
“This is a positive step toward helping children and adults with vision loss feel like they belong and are recognized.
“We are very pleased with the details.”
The doll, with “elbow joints to ensure comfort when using a cane,” is the latest addition to the Barbie Fashionistas, a series that includes a black Barbie with Down syndrome.
A spokesperson said the dolls “can create a sense of belonging.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
