First blind Barbie doll released, with tactile features and a cane [Video]

Toy company Mattel has launched the first ever blind Barbie in its latest move to make the iconic doll more inclusive and represent more sections of society.This Barbie carries a white and red cane with a marshmallow tip and wears sunglasses on her head to provide additional eye protection, while her eye gaze has been designed to face “slightly up and out,” according to a press release shared by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), which partnered with Mattel.The doll’s clothes have been designed using tactile fabric, such as a satiny blouse and a textured ruffle skirt, and have brightly colored hook fasteners to make swapping them more accessible, while the packaging features braille writing.To create a doll that is both accessible and faithfully depicts individuals with sight loss, Mattel worked with several charities including the AFB and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).”Barbie is all about …