Sheffield-based mum and designer Grace True is breaking new ground in toy inclusion with her brand Disabled Dolly. Since 2023, she’s been creating accessories like walking sticks, ostomy bags and wheelchairs for dolls – and now she’s expanding into powerchairs and mobility scooters.
Grace, 29, lives with fibromyalgia and uses a powerchair herself, says her own confidence in using mobility aids grew when she saw others proudly doing the same.
“If I’d had inclusive toys when I was a child, I know that I wouldn’t have felt so much shame and confusion when I became a disabled adult,” says Grace.
Representation in toys, she believes, is still lacking. “Bigger brands are making smaller steps towards inclusion, but for every 200-300 dolls and toys they release, maybe one is disabled – and it’s not enough. There is more to creation than profit.”
Creating powerchairs and scooters has been Grace’s dream since launching Disabled Dolly. “I get messages from Powerchair users like myself all the time saying they wish representation was there for them and their mobility aids.”
Grace promises that her new collection will be bursting with personality. “Mobility aids are a powerful form of self-expression, and everything I make is bright and customisable so each person can create something that feels like ‘them’. They’ll be suitable for both playing and displaying so anybody of any age can enjoy them.”
While the new range is still in the design and prototype stage, Grace hopes to launch soon. You can buy her accessories on the Disabled Dolly website.
