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Barbie has introduced two new dolls with disabilities – one that uses a wheelchair and another with a prosthetic leg.

Yesterday, Mattel announced the latest additions to its Fashionista line and explained that the launch is designed to “elevate the conversation around physical disabilities” while further showcasing “a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion”, reports Yahoo lifestyle.

The manufacturer worked closely with founder of nonprofit organisation, Born Just Right, Jordan Reeves – who has a prosthetic arm – to ensure the new dolls are as realistic as possible.

“A wheelchair or doll in a wheelchair was one of the most requested items through our consumer hotline. It’s important to us to listen to our consumers,” Mattel’s vice president of Barbie Design, Kim Culmone, told Teen Vogue.

Response to the new launch has been widely praised with a large number of social media users applauding the company for its latest move on Instagram.

One fan wrote, “So freaking beautiful that it almost brings me to tears. This is amazing Barbie, I’m so happy and proud of how big your company is growing – this is truly a historical moment.”

“I think it’s time to say that EVERYONE can look like Barbie and EVERYONE can be represented in such an honourable way. I thank you so much for this and I’m proud to be a Barbie fan!”

Another commented, “Delighted by this! As I disabled person, I thank you for this. I’m looking forward to what the future will bring (hoping for hearing aids).”

Check out the change of Barbie through the years:

View this post on Instagram

The ‘60s were full of new careers, new adventures and new friends! To learn more about Barbie and her journey over the past 60 years visit the link in bio.

A post shared by Barbie (@barbie) on

View this post on Instagram

The ‘80s were big for #Barbie, and not just in the hair department! Barbie broke a sweat and the plastic ceiling, formed her world-famous band, served her country, and showed girls everywhere the sky’s the limit. #Barbie60

A post shared by Barbie (@barbie) on

Barbie also released their inspiring women range and Barbie career dolls

86% of mums surveyed are worried about the kind of role models their daughters are exposed to.

That’s why Barbie continues to showcase examples of inspirational women launching the inspiring women range and an awesome range of career dolls to suit everyone.

barbie inspiire career-dolls

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  • That’s so cool. Barbie always used to be so fake and unrealistic, shape wise. It’s good to see they are making different ones and that they’re actually giving get a brain

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  • Awesome move by them.

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  • I have the same sunnies the blonde Barbie on the left has in the first photo, lol. Anyway, all realistic varieties of Barbie are great. I do wonder how many people who do have a disability would use a non-disabled Barbie as a way to pretend they weren’t disabled. I’m sure there are people who do either; like similar Barbies to them, or want a different one to pretend.

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  • This sort of thing can make a genuine difference.

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  • So great that they are responsive to the market!

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  • really refreshing to see a toy company do this – unfortunately my girls are too old for barbie but I am looking forward to seeing what the next generation of Barbie dolls will be like

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  • Great move to make these designs.

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  • Really good to see these barbie developments

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  • Great to see!

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  • Beautiful idea. I’d love for them to re release international barbies again too!

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  • Absolutely fantastic they are branching out

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  • I love the wheelchair idea. I’m a little concerned little ones may manage to detach the sprosthetic portion of the leg and put it in their mouths. I don’t know if other parts of the Barbie dolls are detachable or not.

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  • What a great change and a chance for kids to play with something more diverse and interesting.

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  • Surely a change for the best. They show interest and respect for diversity and that’s what we want for our kids.

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  • I would love to see one with cochlear implants.

    Reply

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