Having a major disability can be difficult for anyone but it is even more difficult for young children who see lots of toys and cartoons which are aimed at able-bodied people being produced every week, which leaves them feeling confused as to why no one is like them which in turn makes them feel alone and different.
Well that is all about to change as the world’s biggest toy company Lego, recently announced that they are to introduce a disabled minifigure of a young man in a wheelchair with an assistance dog, in its new line which is set to a āparkā theme consisting of picnickers, cyclists and an ice-cream vendor.
The new figurine comes after Rebecca Atkinson, fought vigorously with her #ToyLikeMe, campaign, which called on the worlds leading toy industries and children’s TV to better culturally represent 150 million disabled kids worldwide. Speaking about the recent announcement Ms Atkinson told reporters: āLego have just rocked our brick-built world and made 150 million disabled kids, their mums, dads, pet dogs and hamsters very very happy,ā “Weāre all conga-ing up and down the street chucking coloured bricks like confetti.”
Ms Atkinson further explained: āBut on a serious note, this move by Lego is massive in terms of ending cultural marginalisation, it will speak volumes to children, disabled or otherwise, the world over.ā The tireless campaigner also added that she hoped other toy companies would follow suit and realise that there isnāt just one ‘type’ of child ā and to design their toys accordingly, fostering much-needed inclusion and equality.