American Girl releases first doll with hearing aid
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) -- American Girl has just released its 2020 doll of the year.
CNN reports that American Girl is ringing in the new year with its first-ever hearing-impaired doll.
The doll line, owned by Mattel, has introduced the Joss Kendrick doll,which comes with a removable hearing aid.
Joss is "a fierce athlete born with hearing loss and a passion for surfing and competitive cheer," the company said in a press release.
They say the 10-year-old surfer doll was born deaf in her left ear and can hear a little from her right.
The company has already offered dolls that can be fitted with wheelchairs and crutches however this is the first time they have a disability as part of a doll's story.
They say the doll was created with the help of Olympic surfing hopeful Caroline Marks.
"American Girl has a rich legacy of creating timeless characters who encourage girls to reach for new heights and discover who they're meant to be," said Jamie Cygielman, general manager of American Girl. "Working with Olympic hopeful surfer Caroline Marks adds real-world inspiration about what can happen when you go 'all in' on your dreams."In addition to the doll, the company plans to donate $25,000 to the Hearing Loss Association of America.
The doll is available online and in stores Wednesday, Jan. 1.
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