It seems like yesterday, but over 3 years ago in 2022, I excitedly wrote a blog about Barbie because Mattel marketed a new doll with hearing aids. In 2019, the company had decided to begin making dolls to reflect the children and to include those with disabilities who played with them. And keeping with that decision, this year they released a Barbie with a diabetic pump. It may not seem like a big deal to some, but the impact this has on little children and adults with disabilities cannot be measured.
When my son was in his first year of middle school he met a boy, Jake, who is still one of his best friends 25 years later. After they had known each other for a few weeks, my son asked if he could have Jake spend the night. I called Jake’s mom to make arrangements, but she told me she never allowed Jake to spend the night because he had diabetes. She was concerned he would eat too much junk or drink too much soda which could drastically increase his blood sugar. Honestly, I knew nothing about diabetes, but I told her that I would watch him like a hawk, and nothing would happen to him at our home. She and I discussed everything involved and eventually, he became a regular at our home, and she became my friend.
Before the first night he stayed, I told my son Bobby how important it was not to tempt Jake with a bunch of snacks and junk like he normally had when kids were over. I stressed how sick and possibly life threatening it could be for his friend’s health. Like all boys his age, he said it was no big deal. However, Bobby was curious when he saw Jake give himself shots of insulin. They actually talked about it, and Jake explained he was used to it, and it didn’t even hurt. Years later Bobby was excited when a company developed the insulin pump that would allow Jake to no longer have to give himself shots.
Although Jake did not have a disability, he had a medical condition that made him different from the other kids. (Diabetes can be labeled a disability if its severity impairs the life of someone.) Because of the trust and friendship he and my son had, it made it easy for Jake to share his challenges of the disease with my son, but not all kids have this or it may be difficult for some kids to share their feelings. This is why what Mattel is doing is so important.
Whether a child has a medical condition or a disability, it can make them feel different. Even as adults, we compare ourselves to what we see in others, but individuals with disabilities are often the only ones in their groups with a disability. Imagine how exciting it is for someone to finally see themselves in a book, on a television show, or in a toy. It gives them a sense of belonging, and it also gives children a sense of normalcy. I can imagine a little girl saying, “Hey mommy, Barbie has a diabetic pump just like me!”
Thanks to Mattel and all the other companies, especially those who work alongside CORE who realize the importance of helping people feel like they belong.
