Barbie unveils first ever blind doll featuring white and red cane and tactile clothing
THE first blind Barbie has been unveiled — complete with a white and red cane, sunglasses and tactile clothing.
Makers Mattel were advised by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to ensure the doll’s design was “authentic”.
The charity says her up-and-out facing eyes “reflect the sometimes-distinct eye gaze of a blind individual” and the cane has an identifiable marshmallow tip.
Broadcaster Lucy Edwards gave her approval for the doll, on whose packaging “Barbie” is written in braille.
Lucy, 28, BBC Radio 1’s first blind presenter, said: “To see the most well-known doll in the world introduce a blind Barbie makes me feel so seen. It means everything to me.”
Lucy, who lost her sight at age 17 due to a rare genetic disorder, added: “I was embarrassed by my cane — but knowing Barbie had a cane would have made me feel so differently.
“It would have helped me feel less alone on my journey to accept and embrace my blindness.”
The RNIB’s Debbie Miller said: “It’s wonderful to think that children with a vision impairment can now play with a Barbie that looks like them.
“It’s an acknowledgment that not everyone can see well, which means a lot to the blind and partially sighted community.
“This is a positive step in helping children and adults with sight loss feel like they belong and are recognised.
“We’re so pleased with the details.”
The doll, with “elbow articulations to ensure comfortable cane use”, is the latest addition to the Barbie Fashionistas, a series including a black Down’s syndrome Barbie.
A spokesman said the dolls “can create a sense of belonging”.