Mattel introduces first blind Barbie with walking cane, braille packaging

The doll is dressed in a pink satin T-shirt and a purple tulle skirt. (Image: @barbie/Instagram)

Since its introduction in 1959, Barbie has been a cherished companion for millions of children worldwide. Reflecting the diversity of the global population, the iconic doll now comes in various body types and skin tones. In a significant move towards inclusivity, Mattel has unveiled its first-ever blind Barbie doll, featuring braille packaging.

In collaboration with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), Mattel has meticulously designed every aspect of the doll to represent individuals with blindness or low vision. The doll includes a red and white cane, functional sunglasses, and an eye gaze that mirrors the characteristics of many blind individuals.

The doll is dressed in a pink satin T-shirt and a purple tulle skirt, with loop fasteners and an elastic waistband to facilitate easy dressing and undressing. To ensure that the doll offers a satisfying play experience, Mattel tested it with blind and low-vision children, refining the design based on their feedback.

In an Instagram post, Mattel announced, “In partnership with AFB, Barbie proudly introduces the first Blind Barbie Fashionista doll, developed to authentically represent blind and low-vision individuals. This doll features an upward and outward eye gaze, sunglasses, and a cane with a marshmallow tip. Textured fabrics enhance the sensory experience, making fashion elements more accessible with easy-to-open Braille packaging and elbow articulation for comfortable cane use, facilitating accessibility to show that we are all Barbie.”

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Eric Bridges, CEO and President of AFB, praised the collaboration, stating, “It was an honour to collaborate with Barbie on the development of the blind Barbie doll. By increasing representation and promoting awareness about the experiences of blind individuals and those with low vision, our shared goal is to inspire boundless opportunities for everyone, ultimately leading to a world of greater accessibility and inclusion.”

Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie, added, “We recognise that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging.”

In 2023, Mattel also introduced the first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome in partnership with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). This initiative aimed to increase inclusivity, with the doll's dress and accessories designed to reflect the physical traits of individuals with Down syndrome.