London 3D Printing toy company MyMakie.com have answered the Toy Like Me campaign call for better diversity in the toy box by producing the UK’s first ever Deaf doll – complete with hearing aids and signing hands.
The Toy Like Me team, led by two deaf mothers, approached Makie dolls, (who produce bespoke 3D printed dolls currently sold online and in Selfridges and Hamleys) asking if they would support the campaign and start producing dolls to include disabilities.
“We were so happy when they said yes,” says Toy Like Me campaigner, Rebecca Atkinson. “Because Makie dolls are 3D printed in London rather than tooled and manufacture red abroad they were able to respond to our request in less than two weeks!”
The Deaf Makie doll will soon be available to buy in store from MyMakie.com and the company say they are planning to improve and expand the range of disability accessories to include world’s first cochlear implant wearing doll.
“We are thrilled by Makie’s response,” says Atkinson, “But there is still work to do. We want to see the big girls and boys of the toy world making the same effort. We won’t rest until Playmobil and Lego have upped their game too.”
For more information visit – facebook.com/toylikeme or Twitter @toylikeme
MW
May 14, 2015
Where is the “He” doll?
Rebecca
May 14, 2015
Go to the mymakie.com and they can make you a boy dolls with hearing aids.
Catherine
May 14, 2015
I had a toy grandad stitting in a wheelchair with a granny pushing him. I think it was a playmobile? Don’t see why they can’t make dolls with hearing aids also.
It takes a pebble on the water…
Rebecca
May 14, 2015
Playmobil do produce an old man using a wheelchair but what does that say to kids? Only old people use wheelchairs? They really need to up their game. We want wheelchair wizards and hearing aid princesses! 🙂
amy
May 14, 2015
There’s a new doll in the us called “lammily” doll. That is supposed to be more like real girls. I suggested hearing aids but just got a “thanks for comments ” response.
Olivia
May 15, 2015
This is amazing. As a cochlear Implant user when I was growing up I never had any toys/ teddies or role models to look up to – to feel ‘Normal’ . Please produce dolls with Cochlear Implants!
Lindy
May 17, 2015
Please create dolls with Cochlear Implant ! Thank you ! 🙂
Janice Schacter Lintz
May 17, 2015
Build-A-Bear Workshop has been making hearing aids for their stuffed animals for years. I am thrilled to have been part of bringing hearing aids to the first mainstream toy.