Mattel

Two-year-old Lula-Belle Butler-Wenlock-Simpson, right, who was born with heart problems and underwent open-heart surgery, poses with a Special Friends doll whose scar mirrors her own.

‘Special Friends’ dolls reflect the lives of children with special needs

July 24, 2020Education

When Victoria Band’s son was diagnosed with hearing loss, she wished she could give him a doll with hearing aids to reflect his disability. Last year, she started her own line of dolls with scars, cleft lips, hearing aids and oxygen tanks.

American Icons: Barbie

July 26, 2018American Icons

A 'Becky' barbie doll on display at an exhibition in Madrid, Spain.

Becky, Barbie’s friend who uses a wheelchair, was discontinued.

March 31, 2017Culture

Barbie Berlin Dreamhouse draws protests, hand-wringing over opening

August 15, 2013Global Politics

Prehistoric Pets

August 14, 2013

American Icons: Barbie

August 14, 2013Arts, Culture & Media

How did the Barbie doll become such a powerful symbol and ubiquitous toy? For our ongoing series on American Icons, we look at how Barbie started, how she endured, and what her future may hold.