A Barbie doll in a wheelchair and another with a prosthetic leg will be available from June to help fight the stigma around physical disabilities.

The two new dolls will be part of Mattel’s Fashionistas collection which includes characters of different shapes, sizes and skin tones.

Mattel collaborated with experts to design a wheelchair based on one used by individuals with permanent physical disabilities. A 12-year old with a prosthetic arm worked with designers and persuaded them to make Barbie’s leg removable, so it would be more realistic.

Mattel’s Global Head of Design for Barbie, Kim Culmone, said: “This year our Barbie line will include dolls reflecting physical disabilities in order to better represent the people and the world kids see around them.”