Dolls With Disabilities Launched After ToyLikeMe Facebook Campaign Goes Viral


A campaign for “greater diversity in the toy box” went viral on social media. In response, a British toy manufacturer named Makies has created a new range of dolls with various disabilities. Unlike the supposedly perfect dolls for sale, these dolls have real-life-type disabilities. Some have hearing impairments and wear hearing aids. Others have scars, birthmarks, or need assistance with a cane to “walk,” according to METRO. They are also designing a doll who uses a wheelchair.

Through the use of 3D printing, the company can make unique dolls. Makie Dolls are custom-designed for their owner. Therefore, the company plans to try making custom facial characteristics, including dolls that have the same birthmark as a child.

The company has been well-received so far, and Toy Like Me activists are happy, but want even greater diversity in dolls. A Makies company representative said the following, according to METRO.

“Just like humans, no two Makies are the same. We’re hoping to make some kids — and their parents — really happy with these inclusive accessories.”

The first ever deaf doll in Britain comes complete with hearing aids and signing hands. It all started when the Toy Like Me team, which is led by two deaf mothers, approached Makie dolls, which agreed to make dolls with disabilities. Toy Like Me campaigner, Rebecca Atkinson, stated the following, according to The Limping Chicken.

“We were so happy when they said yes. Because Makie dolls are 3-D printed in London rather than tooled and manufactured abroad they were able to respond to our request in less than two weeks….We are thrilled by Makie’s response. But there is still work to do. We want to see the big girls and boys of the toy world making the same effort. We won’t rest until Playmobil and Lego have upped their game too.”

“Toy Like Me” is a community on Facebook, and celebrates the new line of dolls. It went viral with over 1,100 “likes.” Makies has its own website through which people can order their custom-made dolls. On the “Toy Like Me” community on Facebook, it urges other toy makers to also make toys representing people with disabilities, and states the following.

“Come on LEGO, Playmobil, Mattel Barbie, 770,000 UK children with disabilities (and millions more beyond) need positive toy box representation now!”

People with disabilities are often recognized for their special qualities. Victor Murray, 18, was on top of the world. He was a member of the Cape Fear High School wrestling team and had a promising future. Then, a year-and-a-half ago, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Even though his whole world was turned upside down, he didn’t complain. He had to undergo brain surgery, which left him unable to speak. He has spent his senior year trying to regain the use of his body and speech. But he was determined to go to his senior prom and asked a good friend he’s known for years, Rachel Brittan, a former miss North Carolina contestant, according to an article in the Inquisitr. She accepted and the two had a very special date set.

[Photo Courtesy Facebook]

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