Its official! Barbie has released its first-ever doll with hearing aids.
So it wasn’t a surprise when the makers released a Barbie doll in a wheelchair…
But that’s not all.
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As part of the inclusivity push, Barbie has released its first-ever doll with a hearing aid…
According to the Guardian, the 2022 Fashionista collection will include a Ken doll with vitiligo – a condition where the skin loses its pigment cells.
As well as a doll with a “prosthetic leg.”
But it’s the doll with the hearing aid, which will leave young children inspired.
Dr Jen Richardson, a practitioner in educational audiology, said he’s “honored to have worked with Barbie” to create an accurate Doll with an hearing aid.
The makers hope to help children “understand and celebrate the importance of inclusion,” as per reports.
Even so, the makers at Mattel, released a statement saying it’s important for kids to “see themselves reflected” in the product.
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“It’s important for kids to see themselves reflected in product and to encourage play with dolls that don’t resemble them, to help them understand and celebrate the importance of inclusion,” said head of Barbie Dolls, Lisa McKnight.
Mattel also told a media outlet that they “worked alongside Dr Jen Richardson,” who is a practitioner who “accurately modelled behind-the-ear devices for the doll.”
And parents are also excited about the new line of dolls.
“THANK YOU for understanding the importance of representation. My daughter is so excited that there will finally be a Barbie that has hearing aids like her,” said one Instagram user.
The new collection released last month!