Toy company, Mattel,Inc., announced Tuesday the addition of a Barbie doll with Down syndrome. The new doll was created to allow more children to see themselves in Barbie, as well as have Barbie reflect the world around them, the company said.
The doll is meant to inspire all children to tell more stories through play.
“As the most diverse doll line on the market, Barbie plays an important role in a child’s early experiences, and we are dedicated to doing our part to counter social stigma through play,” Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie and dolls, Mattel, said. “Our goal is to enable all children to see themselves in Barbie, while also encouraging children to play with dolls who do not look like themselves. Doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy, leading to a more accepting world. We are proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play.”
About the New Barbie Doll with Down Syndrome
To ensure the doll accurately represents a person with Down syndrome, Barbie worked closely with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). According to Mattel, NDSS’ guidance and real-world experiences informed the design process from start to finish, including the doll’s sculpt, clothing, accessories and packaging.
“It was an honor working with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down syndrome,” Kandi Pickard, NDSS president and CEO, said. “This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them. This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”
Counseled by NDSS, Barbie was purposeful with every design choice for the doll, Mattel said, including:
Sculpt: The doll introduces a new face and body sculpt to be more illustrative of women with Down syndrome, including a shorter frame and a longer torso. The new face sculpt features a rounder shape, smaller ears and a flat nasal bridge, while the eyes are slightly slanted in an almond shape. The doll’s palms include a single line, a characteristic often associated with those with Down syndrome. Mattel said the doll’s physical features were reviewed by a medical professional.
Fashion and Accessories: The doll’s puff sleeved dress pattern features butterflies and yellow and blue colors, which are symbols and colors associated with Down syndrome awareness. The doll’s pink pendant necklace with three upward chevrons represents the three copies of the 21st chromosome, which is the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
Orthotics: As some children with Down syndrome use orthotics to support their feet and ankles, the doll sports pink ankle foot orthotics to match her outfit, and her sneakers tout a zipper detail. NDSS provided a box of orthotics to serve as real-life inspiration for the ones this Barbie Fashionista is wearing, matched to her outfit and the bright colors in her design, Mattel said.
Barbie was born by Mattel in 1959. She continues to be one of the most popular dolls and iconic toys in the world. She is known as an inclusive doll line and offers a variety of eye colors, hair colors and textures, body types, disabilities and fashions to tell stories.
The 2023 Fall Fashionistas dolls, including the Barbie doll with Down syndrome, are available in limited quantities online now and in store this summer and fall at major retailers for $10.99
To learn more about the new doll visit Mattel.com, or follow the brand on Facebook or Instagram.
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