Lego unveils new disabled figures in bid to be more inclusive
In a bid to be more inclusive, Lego has unveiled a number of disabled figures.
This comes in the same week that Mattel’s famed doll character Barbie unveiled a number of new looks, aiming to be more inclusive of a variety of body types and skin colours.
The new lego characters come following a campaign called ‘#ToysLikeMe’.
The campaign had said that the Danish toy company Lego had been “pandering to disability stereotypes” as its only character in a wheelchair was an elderly man.
More than 20,000 people signed a petition urging Lego to change its characters to be more inclusive.
“We want disabilities taken out of the hospital and into a more fun setting,” said Rebecca Atkinson, the founder of the campaign.
One new character is a man using a wheelchair, who also has an assistance dog.
He is part of the City range, which will go on sale this June.
Others in the series include a cyclist and a baby in a buggy.
“Lego have just rocked our brick-built world and made 150 million disabled kids, their mums, dads, pet dogs and hamsters very very happy,” said Atkinson.
“But on a serious note, this move by Lego is massive in terms of ending cultural marginalisation, it will speak volumes to children, disabled or otherwise, the world over.”
Iconic doll character Barbie has also had a full-on diversity makeover for 2016.
The doll has often been criticised for her body shape and unattainable measurement proportions.
However Barbie’s new looks which definitely more accurately reflect a wider variety of body types, includes “tall, curvy and petite”.
