• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

Barbie aims for inclusion as Mattel unveils doll who uses wheelchair and one with a prosthetic limb

3:00
Barbie Debuts Tall, Curvy and Petite Dolls
Mattel
ByNicole Pelletiere
February 11, 2019, 3:16 PM

Barbie is expanding her crew of pals as Mattel releases a new variety of inclusive dolls as part of their Fashionistas collection.

Today, the American toy company announced it's adding dolls with braided hair texture, a new body type and Barbies who reflect permanent physical disabilities.

Related Articles

(MORE: Doctor Who gets her own Barbie doll inspired by 1st-ever female to play the iconic character)

Barbie's new body type features a smaller bust, less defined waist and more defined arms, adding to Fashionistas' already-expanded line of curvy, tall and petite shapes.

Editor’s Picks

1st female Doctor Who inspires limited-edition Barbie doll

  • Oct 08, 2018

This new Barbie knows how to code like a boss

  • Jun 26, 2018

Olympic gymnast releases book, reveals she's training for 2020

  • Oct 11, 2018

And for the first time, Barbie is recognizing disabilities by including a doll with a removable prosthetic limb and a doll in a wheelchair. The wheelchair has been one of the most requested accessories from young Barbie fans, according to Mattel.

"For 60 years, Barbie has been a reflection of culture and fashion and that is key to the brand’s continued relevance," Kim Culmone, Global Head of Design for Barbie, told "GMA." "As we design Barbie for the next generation, we are focused on evolving to remain the most diverse doll line in the marketplace."

Related Articles

(MORE: This new Barbie knows how to code like a boss)

The inspiration behind manufacturing the new dolls was to further showcase a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion, said Mattel, which first launched the Fashionistas collection in 2016 by including four different body types, various skin tones, hair and eye colors.

"This year our Barbie line will include dolls reflecting physical disabilities in order to better represent the people and the world kids see around them," Culmone said. "Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is a critical component of our design process and we are proud that today’s kids will know a different image and experience of the brand."

In 2019, Mattel has announced its adding new braid hair texture, a new body type for Barbie and dolls reflecting permanent physical disabilities.
Mattel

Related Articles

(MORE: Oprah: Life's come 'full circle' from not being able to afford Barbies to being made into one)

The wheelchair is modeled after one that is designed for an individual who has a permanent physical disability. The doll that is sold with the chair has an articulated body, so she can easily fit in the wheelchair. The accessory also accommodates all body types offered within the Made to Move product line (tall, curvy, and original), according to Mattel.

For the doll with the prosthetic leg, Mattel said it collaborated with Jordan Reeves, a 13-year-old from Missouri and co-founder of "Born Just Right" -- a company whose mission is to build creative solutions to help kids with physical disabilities including limb differences and create a play experience that is as representative as possible.

Editor’s Picks

1st female Doctor Who inspires limited-edition Barbie doll

  • Oct 08, 2018

This new Barbie knows how to code like a boss

  • Jun 26, 2018

Olympic gymnast releases book, reveals she's training for 2020

  • Oct 11, 2018

Up Next in Culture—

Lady Gaga wins Sports Emmy, now one award away from EGOT

May 21, 2025

Michael B. Jordan to receive 2025 American Cinematheque Award

May 21, 2025

All the stars who have an EGOT and who is close

May 21, 2025

Chris Brown released from UK jail on $6.7 million bail

May 21, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News