In a heartwarming viral video, a profoundly deaf toddler named Riley, from Virginia, experiences the enchantment of “Barbie with ASL” alongside the guidance of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter Leila Hanaumi. This groundbreaking initiative by the film’s creators reflects a commitment to inclusivity, allowing children like 3-year-old Riley, who are too young to read or have disabilities hindering them from reading, to fully immerse themselves in the Barbie universe.
The ASL version of the film, released on Max on December 15, has been applauded by Warner Bros. for providing a unique viewing opportunity for the Deaf community to enjoy the Barbie experience with their families and friends. However, the true significance of this initiative goes beyond what meets the eye.
For Christina, Riley’s mother, the decision to expose her daughter to “Barbie with ASL” was driven by a desire to ensure that Riley could engage with the film despite its rating. Initially intending to watch only the segment featuring Lizzo’s song “Pink,” Christina was pleasantly surprised when she observed the genuine excitement in Riley’s eyes as she watched the ASL interpreter. This prompted her to let the film continue, leading to an unexpectedly joyful experience for the toddler.
“I was curious to see how much Riley would look at the interpreter, so the first time we watched, I watched Riley’s eyes closely to see where they went,” Christina shared.
Riley, at the tender age of 3, relies on an ASL interpreter to watch movies, as adding captions would not be effective at this stage of her development. Despite wearing cochlear implants that grant her access to sound, sign language remains Riley’s primary and most accessible language. The family embraced ASL as a part of their daily lives when Riley was just a few months old, recognizing its importance in fostering communication.
As Riley grows older, the presence of an ASL interpreter on screen ensures that she can continue to enjoy movies in her preferred language, even as she develops reading skills.
“Not only was Riley engaged while watching ‘Barbie with ASL,’ she started picking up new signs from the interpreter,” Christina said, emphasizing the positive impact the film has had on Riley’s language acquisition. In a delightful turn of events, Riley began singing along to the movie almost immediately, showcasing the power of inclusive media experiences.
One memorable line from the movie has left a lasting impression on Riley. During a scene where Barbie, portrayed by Margot Robbie, compliments a character, Riley responds with confidence, mirroring the character’s self-assuredness. This interaction serves as a powerful and affirming message for Riley and all women and girls.
“It’s really special to see, and such a great message for Riley and all women and girls,” Christina remarked.
For Christina, there is no greater feeling than witnessing Riley fully engaged and connected with a movie that is not only entertaining but also fully accessible for her. The sentiment embodied in Barbie’s slogan, “Barbie is for everyone,” rings true for Riley and her Deaf community, affirming that inclusivity in media has the power to bring joy and magic to every child, regardless of their abilities or background.
In conclusion, “Barbie with ASL” has emerged as a beacon of inclusivity, breaking down barriers and ensuring that the magic of storytelling is accessible to all children, including those with hearing impairments. This heartwarming tale of Riley and her journey with Barbie signifies a step forward in creating a more inclusive and diverse entertainment landscape for children around the world.