Mattel unveils FIRST blind Barbie as part of their inclusivity line

It took Mattel almost six decades to launch its first blind Barbie doll and now you can get your hands on them too. Released as part of its inclusivity drive, the blind Barbie doll is now available online and in-store for £11.99 (15.47 USD).

The Barbie comes with a white and red cane and silver sunglasses. The doll is seen donning a satin pink blouse, and a ruffle skirt, and has brightly coloured high-contrast hook and loop fasteners on the top that children use to dress the toy.

The doll has an eye gaze facing slightly up and out to reflect blindness. Coming to the packaging, the word "Barbie" has been written in braille.

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The $5.58bn company collaborated with the American Foundation for the Blind to design the doll. They even organised play sessions with blind and low-vision children to test the product.

Mattel has also released its first Black Barbie with Down syndrome along with the blind Barbie.

"We recognise that Barbie is much more than a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging," says Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie, in a press release.

"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."

Back in 2019, Mattel unveiled a disabled doll with a wheelchair to make a more inclusive range. You can also buy a Barbie with prosthetic limbs. Last year, Mattel introduced its first Down syndrome Barbie.