CULTURE

Barbie Takes on Diversity: Next Generation Barbies Will Feature Wheelchair and Prosthetic Limbs

Mattel

Dedicated to evolving diversity into a beautiful light, Barbie has wheeled in a new contender. 

Debuting this fall, Barbie has released long-awaited details regarding their newest addition to the next generation line. Barbie can now be seen in a wheelchair and/or with a prosthetic leg. This has made big waves throughout the week since the headline appeared on Monday, February 11, 2019. The excitement can be felt as you read the heartwarming posts of the empowerment that individuals across the nation are sharing through social media.

You’re Different? Speak up! | Jordan Reeves | TEDxYouth@BlueSlidePark

“My guess is that most of you didn’t know what a limb-difference is”. Everyone is different. Different mentally and physically, with different stories, backgrounds, and lives. In a world of differences, we need to make sure everyone is accepted.

The designers working on Barbie’s new design had the help of wheelchair experts and the UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. 12-year-old activist Jordan Reeves was also brought in to help develop a doll with a removable prosthetic limb. Jordan Reeves is a young activist taking on the stigma that surrounds physical deformities, and she shines through the adversity of her diversity. This will allow for limb differences to be seen in a positive way that encourages differences to be celebrated and understood by all ages. Mattel has also offered information regarding a Barbie DreamHouse ramp that will be compatible with a wheelchair!

Way to go Barbie and Jordan! We can’t wait to be on the lookout for these dolls as they hit the market in Fall 2019.