Discover inclusive toys with positive disability representation, from dolls and books to LEGO and small world play. A thoughtful guide for parents, carers, and gift buyers.
Representation in children’s toys really matters. The toys children grow up with help shape how they understand the world, including how they see disability, difference, and belonging. Seeing disabled characters simply existing, playing, adventuring, and being part of the story can make a huge difference for disabled children and non-disabled children alike.
Here are some of the toys and characters we have spotted that offer positive disability representation for your kids:
Animated Characters with Visible Disabilities
One of the most recognisable and represented examples we found in our local toy store was Rex from Paw Patrol, a Bernese mountain dog and dinosaur expert who uses wheels instead of his back legs. Rex is a great example of disability just being part of a character, not the whole storyline.
We also searched high and low for Mandy Mouse from Peppa Pig, who is a wheelchair user. While we did not find a standalone figure, we did spot her included in a puzzle, which still counts as representation, even if it is limited.
For older children and fans of fantasy, there are plenty of Toothless toys available, following the release of the new How To Train Your Dragon movie earlier in the year, proudly showing his tail fin prosthetic. Nemo from Finding Nemo also have a limb difference which he calls his ‘lucky fin’ a term many people in the limb difference community still refer to today.
Dolls and Playsets
We came across an Our Generation ‘Heals on Wheels’ accessory pack which comes with a wheelchair, crutches, supports, an ice pack and x ray images. While it was interesting to see illness & disability acknowledged at all, it felt a little too medicalised for my personal taste. It is a reminder that representation is not just about inclusion, but also about how disability is portrayed.
In Barbie world, representation has definitely improved. In-store this year we only saw one wheelchair-using Barbie, which was disappointing, but the wider range is strong. The Fashionista Barbie range offers diverse dolls with prosthetic limbs, Down syndrome, and sensory disabilities such as deaf and blind dolls. The dolls also showcase great intersectionality with Barbie’s & Ken’s with 35 skin colours, 97 hair styles and 9 body types and counting.
The Barbie DreamHouse includes a working lift, meaning wheelchair Barbie can actually access her home and the different wheelchair user Barbie’s & Ken’s come with a ramp. These details really matters to teach children about real world access.
I also have a Dahlia doll from Wish, who uses a crutch. It is quiet representation, but that can be just as meaningful.
With the release of For Good, I was genuinely gutted that we did not get any new Nessarose dolls or figures. That said, last year’s doll, which is beautiful, is still available, and there is also a Wicked LEGO set which includes her character too.
LEGO and Little People
LEGO consistently does great work with disability representation, particularly in the LEGO Friends range. We spotted Autumn, who has a limb difference and Jordin who has Vitiligo but the range also includes Fiona who has Downs Syndrome, Liann who has ADHD and Nova who has social anxiety and built a wheelchair for her disabled dog, Pickle. Seeing a wide range of disabilities represented, especially invisible disabilities, without fuss is incredibly powerful.
Little People also deserves a shoutout. There are wheelchair-using figures across several sets, and we even found a wheelchair basketball player included in a school bus set.
Books That Open Conversations
Finally, I always recommend the children’s books by James & Lucy Catchpole. Their books, What Happened to You?, You’re So Amazing, and Mama Car, are brilliant for helping children, and adults, understand disability without awkwardness or pity.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
This list is not exhaustive, and it should not be. Disability is broad, varied, and lived in many different ways.
What would you add to this list? How do you try to make sure disability is represented for the children in your life?
Let me know in the comments.
