A dedicated teacher has taken a creative approach to promote inclusivity among her students by customizing dolls to reflect the hearing devices used by children with hearing impairments. Educator Mia Thompson, who works with preschool and kindergarten students who are Deaf or hard of hearing, recognized that her pupils often lacked representation in the toys available to them. Rather than waiting for toy manufacturers to create inclusive options, she decided to take matters into her own hands—literally.
Using colorful puffy paint, Thompson adorned dolls with bright representations of hearing aids and cochlear implants. The quick project, which took only a few moments, had a remarkable effect on her students. “My students don’t see toys that resemble their hearing devices, so I added some to our new baby dolls myself,” she shared in a viral tweet. “Seeing their joy while playing with these dolls was heartwarming.”
In an interview with a parenting blog, Thompson expressed her motivation to empower her students. “As an educator, inclusivity is part of my responsibility, but it goes beyond that. Every child deserves to feel ‘normal’ and accepted,” she stated. “I wanted my students to see themselves in their toys and feel proud of their unique identities.” She emphasized that children are impressionable, and it’s essential for adults to nurture their confidence and happiness.
The response to her initiative on social media was overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing their own experiences of how inclusive toys have changed their lives or could have made a difference. Suggestions for other inclusive doll options, such as those available from American Girl, were also shared.
Thompson’s actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity for children. Her simple yet impactful idea illustrates that fostering a sense of belonging doesn’t require vast resources or complicated efforts.
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In summary, Mia Thompson’s creative act of painting hearing devices on dolls exemplifies the significant impact of representation and inclusivity in children’s toys. Her effort to empower her students showcases how small actions can make a big difference in fostering acceptance and belonging.