In a significant step towards representation in the toy industry, Lego is set to unveil a new set of bricks that includes a minifigure of a young boy in a wheelchair. This announcement comes on the heels of Mattel’s recent launch of more body-positive Barbie dolls, marking a positive trend in the accessibility of toys for all children.
The Lego news blog Promobricks first shared this exciting update, which Lego later confirmed. The upcoming set, titled “Fun In The Park,” will not only feature the boy in a wheelchair but also characters one might encounter during a day at the park, including a cyclist, a hot dog vendor, and a service dog. The set is expected to be released in June, according to reports from the Sunday Post.
This initiative is viewed as a triumph for advocacy groups like Toy Like Me, which has long championed for improved representation of disabilities in toys. Co-founder and journalist Emily Carter has been a vocal advocate, collaborating with various toy manufacturers and spearheading a petition that gathered over 20,000 signatures urging Lego to broaden their inclusion of differently-abled characters. While Lego Duplo had previously introduced an elderly character in a wheelchair, Carter expressed her hope for more representation for younger individuals with disabilities.
In a statement, Carter expressed her enthusiasm for Lego’s latest initiative, emphasizing its significance: “The inclusion of a wheelchair-using minifigure is monumental. It sends a powerful message to children with disabilities that they are valued and represented within mainstream culture.” She hopes this will pave the way for a deeper commitment from Lego to feature diverse abilities across their product lines.
Globally, UNICEF estimates that around 150 million children live with disabilities. This highlights the necessity for toy manufacturers to create diverse representations that reflect all children. Toys should resonate with every child’s identity, enabling them to envision themselves in various scenarios. This advancement by Lego could inspire other brands to embrace inclusivity as well, leading to a broader diversity in children’s toys.
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In summary, Lego’s introduction of a minifigure in a wheelchair represents a progressive move towards inclusivity in toys, affirming the importance of representation for children with disabilities. This step not only highlights Lego’s commitment to diversity but also sets a precedent for other toy manufacturers to follow suit.