There is a joy in seeing a child’s face light up when a product has been designed just for them, particularly children that may be different. Brands often design for the mainstream, yet Mattel and Target are two brands that have Noticed the gap and taken the extra steps to be inclusive of children who may not always feel like everyone else.   

Ella Rogers, a two-year-old with Spina Bifida, was overjoyed to receive a Barbie doll in a wheel chair that felt just like her.  Artist Crystal Kayes creates custom hand-painted dolls with vitiligo, a rare skin condition, to spotlight the unique and diverse attributes of real kids, help break down barriers, and boost self-esteem for children.

And a photo of young Oliver Garza-Pena’s reaction to an in-store Target display went viral inspiring thousands, reminding us that while we continue to consciously focus on diversity, let’s also ensure we are also well representing people with different needs and challenges.