Mattel, the makers of the world-renowned Barbie dolls and other toys, have tried in recent years to diversify their products to highlight inclusivity. Their new collection of Barbie dolls, a clear part of this initiative, seems to be another right step in the right direction—especially since the new line features the first-ever Barbie with a hearing aid.
The company recently announced the addition of new dolls to the existing Fashionista line, which now includes a Barbie with behind-the-ear hearing aids, a Ken doll with vitiligo, and another doll with a prosthetic leg. This particular line has grown more and more diverse over the last few years. In 2016, Mattel unveiled Barbie dolls representing different body types. In 2020, they launched Barbies with vitiligo, a skin issue that affects pigmentation, and inclusive hair textures representing various ethnicities.
To accurately represent behind-the-ear hearing aids, Mattel collaborated with Dr Jen Richardson, an audiologist. “As an educational audiologist with over 18 years of experience working in hearing loss advocacy, it’s inspiring to see those who experience hearing loss reflected in a doll,” Dr Richardson said in a statement. “I’m beyond thrilled for my young patients to see and play with a doll who looks like them.” Mattel’s Executive Vice President, Lisa McKnight, said in a statement that the collection wants to “reflect the diversity kids see in the world around them.”