More inclusive toys demonstrated by LEGO wheelchair

A piece at The Record highlights the changing nature of inclusive toys, making reference to the LEGO Group’s approach to the issue. The article covers the problems for children with disabilities who do not see themselves reflected in the products on sale, and how early role play experiences impact their attitudes later in life.

While Lego has had larger figures before that use wheelchairs, the mini-figure introduced this year comes as part of the “Fun in the Park” set, mixed in with several figures that don’t.

“The designers were thinking about what might you see in the park in the city,” said Lego spokesperson Michael McNally.

Lego mini-figures had been yellow so that children could imagine their own identity for the characters.

lego

The LEGO Group’s wheelchair piece was seen as a positive move, making an Internet splash when it was revealed at Nuremberg Toy Fair. But there is a long way to go in changing attitudes within the toy industry.

“There’s been some good progress, but there is a lot of work that needs to be done,” said Elizabeth Sweet, a sociologist and lecturer at California State University. “Kids need to see themselves in the toys and objects they interact with.”

The full article is available at The Record.

Author Profile

Graham
Graham was the BrickFanatics.com Editor up until November 2020. He has plenty of experience working on LEGO related projects. He has contributed to various websites and publications on topics including niche hobbies, the toy industry and education.

Follw Graham on Twitter @grahamh100.

Graham

Graham was the BrickFanatics.com Editor up until November 2020. He has plenty of experience working on LEGO related projects. He has contributed to various websites and publications on topics including niche hobbies, the toy industry and education. Follw Graham on Twitter @grahamh100.

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