The world of toys is about to change, for a really good reason.
The Mattel company announced earlier this week that they’ll be introducing Barbies with different body types, and LEGO has introduced their first wheelchair-bound figure. It’s all part of a growing trend of toy companies to actually rethink some of their worst toy ideas. People like journalist Rebecca Atkinson have been pushing for these kinds of changes, launching #ToyLikeMe on Facebook and Twitter to draw attention to the one hundred and fifty million disabled children worldwide who could use toys that they can relate to too.
Over the last year, the hashtag has exploded, and gotten parents all over the world to give toys makeovers to reflect that. “When I thought about the level of exclusion that was being carried out by these powerful global brands…” says Atkinson, “…the pied pipers of childhood, my rage rolled.” But now, even the major companies are getting on board – Playmobil has become a backer of the idea, with LEGO joining up not soon after.
Check out the #ToyLikeMe Crowdfunder page right here.
Read the Full Article: #ToyLikeMe Movement Celebrates Kids With Disabilities
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