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At just 12 years old, Ar’miah has raised the standard as both a young content creator and motivational speaker, captivating audiences by having the pleasure of unboxing the first blind Barbie. Diagnosed as visually impaired at the age of six months, Ar’miah has leveraged her story and her faith to inspire and uplift others who share similar experiences.
Mattel, Inc, the manufacture of Barbie, teamed up with the American Foundation for the Blind to release an inclusive and fashion forward doll, designed by Allie Design, a brand known for its braille-themed products embellished with beads. While gifting Ar’miah the doll was a sentimental gesture, the true highlight was her mother capturing the special moment on camera, making it all the more memorable. The post immediately went viral after her mother posted the moment to Ar’miah’s instagram alongside the caption, “Blind and included we are so blessed to witness the first blind Barbie. I tell you God is so good. All we want is to be included.”
Since its release, the doll has quickly become a sought-after item amongst those that are visually impaired, serving as the perfect representation of inclusivity and empowerment in the world of representation. Through promoting diversity and acceptance for all children, the doll has become a symbol of encouragement, encouraging the inclusivity of all toys and fostering a sense of belonging for those whom may feel underrepresented.
Through Ar’miahs viral video and her heartfelt reaction, the moment has sparked conversations around the importance of representing children with disabilities. A step in the right direction, Mattel is making sure they lean into creating toys that not only resonate with a diverse crowd, but also create a strong sense of empowerment in those who are now able to feel accepted and visible to those around them. With over 200,000 likes and thousands of uplifting comments, Ar’miah has reminded several the impact of being represented and included can have on a young child’s life.
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