American Girl: Limb Different Dolls Are More Important Than You Think
I hope you’ve seen the video… Emma opens an American Girl doll box and discovers the doll of her dreams: A doll with a helper leg just like her. A Step Ahead Prosthetics started making alterations on American Girl dolls earlier this year. It’s remarkable how special this can be for kids.
Emma hugging her new limb difference American Girl doll. (Credit: Courtney Fletcher Bennett)
My heart is SO full for Emma and it just makes me want to work even harder for Jordan’s petition to go further so American Girl can understand how important this is to our kids. Keep sharing Emma’s story. Keep sharing Jordan’s petition. This isn’t about materialistic needs. This is about confirming to the world that children with physical differences deserve to be included in mainstream product development. I know this makes some people mad, but I want all kids to see limb difference as just another part of life. Some kids have two feet and two hands. Some kids don’t. American Girl could play a huge role in explaining differences and celebrating difference. I know Emma proves it.
I am overwhelmed with emotion because this is such an important step in moving forward with awareness and acceptance for limb differences. The more children are made aware and see that these differences exist, the more acceptance all will have. My little grandson is missing is left hand, yet all I see are his big blue eyes and happy smile because he is surrounded by so much love and acceptance so far in his world. He is only 7 months and still so protected and unaware, but the companies that design toys for children have a responsibility to ALL children and families to encourage acceptance and bring awareness.
Little Emma…you are beautiful… VERY BEAUTIFUL!
I totally agree with you, Susan! Thank you for your support!
My daughter hasn’t had a limb loss, but she would love an American Girl doll who looks just like her hero, Bethany Hamilton. I’ve contacted American Girl as well regarding this and am always told no. I’ve started searching to see if I can find somewhere to 3D print an American Girl doll’s left arm representing arm loss but haven’t been able to find a pattern yet. I think it’s brilliant that A Step Ahead is doing this for kids! But really, really wish we could get one too!