A group of parents of children with disabilities got together and decided to change the landscape of the toy world for good.
They launched the Facebook page #ToyLikeMe calling for better representation and greater diversity in children’s toys.
A small toy manufacturer answered this call. Less than a week after the campaign went viral, Makies produced the first of a new kind of doll sporting accessories like hearing aids and walking sticks to more accurately represent the children who love their toys. Makies is one of the world’s first toy manufacturers to use 3D printing technology to produce their products.
“Seeing as we could respond fast, we did: we put a bunch of things on hold and jumped into designing toy hearing aids, toy walking aids, working out how to do facial birthmarks… (and we) are working on a new 3D printed toy wheelchair, too!”
MakieLab is also trialling bespoke facial characteristics on demand, with plans to expand the new range into the Makies Store over the coming weeks.
While response to the campaign has been huge with followers posting pictures of the toys they have customised for their children with inclusive accessories like this doll with a wheelchair made from bottle tops and fimo, the campaigners are still calling for the support of larger toy manufacturers:
“Ask Playmobil why this cowgirl’s wheels have to be home-made by Mums using bottle tops and a lump of fimo? Where’s the real thing?”
‘Toy Like Me won’t rest. If small companies like Makies can respond, what are the big girls and boys doing? Come on Lego, Playmobil, Mattell Barbie – 770,000 UK children with disabilities (and millions more beyond) need positive toy box representation now!’
Visit #ToyLikeMe’s Facebook page and Makies website for more information.
