# Emphasizing Accessibility Brand activations promote inclusivity by decentralizing ableism in toys. By [Gil Cohen](https://www.trendhunter.com/ghaddi), SVP Client Success | Published Mar 22, 2017 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/emphasizing-disability ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Emphasizing Accessibility trend? **Emphasizing Accessibility:** Showcasing a number ways to decentralize ableist portrayals of everyday life, toy brands are promoting accessibility to help provide an expansive and more realistic portrayal of the varied nature of lived experience. This integration denotes another evolution in brand authenticity as consumers demand to see an expansion in the kinds of lived experiences represented in children's toys and beyond. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 23, 2015 to Nov 11, 2016 - Published: Mar 22, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Emphasizing Accessibility trend ### Inclusive Toy Design Toy brands are promoting accessibility to provide a more realistic portrayal of lived experiences, such as featuring characters with disabilities. ### Autism Acceptance There is a growing trend towards promoting autism awareness and increasing positive representation in media. ### Retail Accommodations Retailers are acknowledging the needs of different customers, such as individuals with autism, by implementing accommodations like quiet hours. ## What the Emphasizing Accessibility trend means for industry ### For Toy Manufacturing Toy brands can innovate by creating more inclusive designs and expanding their representations of diversity in their product lines. ### For Entertainment Media Media companies and producers can promote acceptance and awareness of autism by featuring characters with autism or other disabilities in their content. ### For Retail Retailers who implement accommodations, like quiet hours, can improve the shopping experience of individuals with unique needs, and differentiate themselves from competitors. ## Workshop question What are two key factors in your business that authenticate you? ## Trend signals for Emphasizing Accessibility Trend score 3.0 out of 10, from popularity 42%, activity 39%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 42% - Activity: 39% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Emphasizing Accessibility trend 4 featured examples from Oct 23, 2015 to Nov 11, 2016. - [Serene Toy Store Environments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toys-r-us-store): Toys R Us Stores' 'Quiet Hour' is for Children Affected by Autism (Category: Business) Implication: Exploring opportunities to create inclusive and specialized store experiences for customers with specific needs. - [Autistic Puppet Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/character-with-autism): The Show Sesame Street Introduces Its First Character with Autism (Category: Social Good) Implication: Diverse and inclusive characters can lead to a more engaged and inclusive audience, opening up new opportunities for growth and impact. - [Figurine Leg Braces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leg-brace): Shishka Bob Design Doll Injury Braces Help Children Feel More Normalized (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for toy manufacturers to create accessories that encourage rehabilitation and normalize injury for children using playthings. - [Wheelchair Gaming Avatars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xbox-avatars): The Xbox Avatars are Expanding with Better Disability Representation (Category: Tech) Implication: The video game industry is recognizing the need for more inclusive and accessible content, creating opportunities for developers to create new games and enhance existing ones with… ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)