Where to buy Mattel's first ever 'blind' Barbie doll in shops this week
Here's everything you need to know about Mattel's brand-new 'blind' Barbie, plus a look at some of the other inclusive dolls on sale.
![Screenshot 2024-07-24 093141 Young girl playing with Mattel's first 'blind' Barbie](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/28/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-24-093141-53452cf.jpg?quality=90&resize=980,654)
The first-ever 'blind' Barbie has been released by Mattel this week, adding to the company's ever-growing inclusive doll range.
This new Barbie doll holds a white and red cane with a marshmallow tip, wears sunglasses, and has an eye gaze that faces slightly up and out to "accurately reflect the sometimes-distinct eye gaze of a blind individual."
As well as representing a visually impaired woman, the doll also comes with several features which make it accessible for blind and low-vision children. The clothes for instance are made with tactile fabric including a tulle skirt and satin T-shirt, and the fastenings on the back are designed to be easier to take on and off.
Plus, the packaging is more accessible, with the word 'Barbie' written in braille on the front.
![Screenshot 2024-07-24 104503 Blind barbie doll holding cane](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/28/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-24-104503-88a3b26.jpg?quality=90&fit=700,466)
Mattel conducted testing for the doll with visually impaired children and consulted a number of charities including the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
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In a statement, Debbie Miller, the director of customer advice and support at the charity, said: “Barbie is all about joy – about discovering and understanding the world through play – and it’s wonderful to think that children with a vision impairment can now play with a Barbie that looks like them."
Meanwhile, Krista Berger, the senior vice-president of Barbie and the global head of dolls, said: “We recognise that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging.”
So, if you're looking to pick up this new brilliant Barbie, here's everything you need to know.
- Buy Barbie Fashionistas 'Blind' Barbie doll at Argos
- Buy Barbie Fashionistas 'Blind' Barbie doll at The Entertainer
When is the new 'blind' Barbie available?
'Blind' Barbie is already on sale in the UK.
The newest member of the Fashionistas range went on sale on Tuesday 23rd July following Mattel's announcement.
Where to buy the new 'blind' Barbie
'Blind' Barbie is available to buy from Mattel itself, as well as multiple UK retailers such as Argos, The Entertainer and Smyths.
- Buy Barbie Fashionistas 'Blind' Barbie doll at Argos
- Buy Barbie Fashionistas 'Blind' Barbie doll at The Entertainer
How much does this new Barbie doll cost?
This newest Barbie doll costs just £13.99 – the same as other members of the Fashionista range like the Barbie with Down Syndrome and the Barbie with Hearing Aids.
Has Barbie released any other inclusive dolls?
Yes! In 2019 Barbie made history with their first collection of dolls reflecting permanent physical disabilities, including a doll with a wheelchair and prosthetic leg. Since then they have also introduced Barbies with hearing aids and Barbies with vitiligo.
Here's a closer look at what you can get:
Barbie Fashionistas Wheelchair Barbie Doll, £23.99
![Screenshot 2024-07-24 104024 Barbie in wheelchair](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/28/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-24-104024-bc1668f.jpg?quality=90&fit=700,466)
Mattel has released six Barbie's in wheelchairs so far, varying in skin colour and hairstyle. Plus, you can buy two Ken dolls, one of which is a Rhythmic Gymnast!
- Barbie Fashionistas Wheelchair Barbie Doll with blonde hair
- Barbie Fashionistas Wheelchair Barbie Doll with long blonde hair
- Barbie Fashionistas Wheelchair Barbie Doll with brunette crimped hair
- Barbie Fashionistas Wheelchair Barbie Doll with curly hair
- Barbie Ken Fashionistas Wheelchair Barbie Doll
- Barbie Ken Fashionistas Rhythmic Gymnast Wheelchair Barbie Doll
Barbie Fashionista Prosthetic Leg Doll, £13.99
![Screenshot 2024-07-24 103432 Barbie with prosthetic leg](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/28/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-24-103432-804744c-1.jpg?quality=90&fit=700,466)
The Barbie Prosthetic Leg Doll comes in four designs: a brunette doll with a blue dress, a doll with bright pink hair, a blonde doll – who also works as an interior designer and carries design palettes with her – and a Ken doll wearing a basketball jersey.
- Buy Barbie Fashionista Prosthetic Leg Doll
- Buy Barbie Fashionista Prosthetic Leg and pink hair Doll
- Buy Barbie Interior Designer Careers Doll with Prosthetic Leg
- Buy Barbie Ken Fashionista Prosthetic Leg Doll
Barbie Fashionistas Doll with Down Syndrome, £13.99
![Screenshot 2024-07-24 105228 Screenshot 2024-07-24 105228](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/28/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-24-105228-12d3edf-1.jpg?quality=90&fit=700,466)
Alongside their first visually impaired Barbie, Mattel has also partnered with American organisation, the National Down Syndrome Society, this month to release the first black Barbie with Down Syndrome. This follows the first Barbie with Down Syndrome which was released last year.
- Buy Barbie Fashionistas Doll with Down Syndrome and floral dress
- Buy Barbie Fashionistas Doll with Down Syndrome and heart print dress
Barbie Fashionistas Doll with Hearing Aids, £13.99
![Screenshot 2024-07-24 101649 Barbie with hearing aids](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/28/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-24-101649-fa0947e.jpg?quality=90&fit=700,466)
You can also buy a Barbie doll and a Ken doll wearing hearing aids behind the ear.
Barbie Fashionistas Doll with Vitiligo, £13.99
![Screenshot 2024-07-24 101557 Barbie doll with Vitiligo](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/28/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-24-101557-5106a7f.jpg?quality=90&fit=700,466)
This Barbie Fashionistas range includes two Barbies and a Ken doll with Vitiligo.
- Buy Barbie Fashionistas Doll with Vitiligo
- Buy Barbie Fashionistas Doll brunette with Vitiligo
- Buy Barbie Ken Fashionistas Doll brunette with Vitiligo
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