First ever visually impaired doll, the blind Barbie is now here

South Africa – almost a year following the introduction of the first-ever Barbie with down syndrome, the world’s first visually impaired version of the iconic children’s favourite doll has been released by toy company Mattel as the latest addition to its expanding collection of inclusive dolls.

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), an organisation dedicated to creating a world of endless possibilities for individuals with blindness and low vision, worked with the toy giant to design the groundbreaking new Barbie, who now wears glasses and a cane. This was to ensure the details of the blind Barbie doll, including face sculpt, fabrics and accessories, accurately depict individuals with blindness or poor vision.

In a statement sent to NOWinSA, the toy manufacturer shared that the new collection was created “to allow more children to find a doll that represents them and inspire all children to tell more stories through play”.

“We recognise that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging,” said Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie. “We proudly introduce a new blind Barbie doll to our Barbie Fashionistas line, reinforcing our commitment to creating products that represent global belonging and inclusivity in the doll aisle.”

The arrival of the latest Barbie dolls, which now come with braille packaging, is supported in the country by the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind, who enable locally visually and physically impaired members to live an independent life through freedom of movement and acquisition of skills required to live a fully participatory life.

“Inclusion and diversity are no longer concepts, it is actions and through the launch of the visually impaired Barbie, Mattel, Inc. has proven the impact of collaboration on social impact. Including a visually impaired Barbie will undoubtedly ease the discomfort that so many visually impaired children face and it will, in young minds, bring about the change in society that is so desperately needed,” Tanya Schönwald, Head of Strategic and Corporate Partnerships, GDA said, adding: “Soon enough, inclusion will not be considered or debated, it will naturally occur because younger generations have not been taught to distinguish. We are proud to have travelled part of this journey with Mattel, Inc.” 

Accessories: The doll comes with a white and red cane with an identifiable marshmallow tip and includes stylish and functional sunglasses. With some blind or low-vision individuals sensitive to light, the lens provides additional eye protection.

Blind Barbie: unique design features

Hot on the heels of the release of the blockbuster 2024 Oscar-winning Warner Bros Barbie movie, the new Barbie was designed to represent individuals with blindness and low vision throughout all stages of the design process – which involved incorporation of a series unique features as listed below:

• Accessories: The doll comes with a white and red cane with an identifiable marshmallow tip and includes stylish and functional sunglasses.
• Elbow articulations: The blind Barbie doll includes elbow articulations to ensure comfortable cane use.
• Textured and vibrant fabrics: Barbie tested blind and low-vision children to ensure that the doll provided an accessible and satisfying play experience for kids with blindness or low vision. With AFB’s guidance, special fashion fabrics were sourced, including a satiny pink blouse with a textured ruffle skirt for tactile interest. Other notable details include elastic skirt waistband to make swapping outfits easier.
• Packaging and design: to help reach multitudes of visually impaired consumers the world over, the toy makers designed accessible packaging for the doll, including the placement and writing of ‘Barbie’ in braille on the package.
• Eye Gaze: The doll has an eye gaze facing slightly up and out to accurately reflect the distinct visual cue of blind individuals.