Barbie to Debut Dolls with Prosthetic Legs & Wheelchairs

CNN/Mattel

No one is getting left behind in the fight for inclusivity and diversity all over the world. Latest now is that Barbie’s dolls will now have new looks, a move Mattel, Barbie’s makers, says will “showcase a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion”.

According to CNN, the new Barbie dolls with a prosthetic leg and another with a wheelchair will debut in June.

The new dolls are part of Mattel’s 2019 Barbie Fashionistas line, which aims to offer more diverse representations of beauty.

“As a brand, we can elevate the conversation around physical disabilities by including them into our fashion doll line to further showcase a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion,” Mattel said.

The company collaborated with 13-year-old disability activist, Jordan Reeves to create the doll with the removable prosthetic limb. They also worked with UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital and wheelchair experts to design a wheelchair for the doll.

“While there are many types of wheelchairs, this chair is modelled after one that is designed for an individual who has a permanent physical disability.”

The dolls’ new looks are reportedly well-received among disability rights activists.