Mattel, the toy brand, has released the first-ever Barbie doll With Down Syndrome in their collection.
To create their first doll with an intellectual limitations, the company engaged with the National Down’s Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the United States. The new toy, which goes for £13.99 and can be pre-ordered as of today (April 25), will be included in the company’s Fashionistas line of toys. It is an endeavor to assist more youngsters in finding a toy that symbolizes them.
First Barbie Doll With Down Syndrome
The executive vice president and global head of Barbie & dolls at Mattel, Lisa McKnight, stated that the company’s aim is to promote diversity and inclusivity in their dolls, allowing all children to identify with Barbie, regardless of their background. She also added that it is important for children to play with dolls that are different from themselves.
“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.”
The initiative was positively received by charities, and Carol Boys, chief executive of the UK Down’s Syndrome Association, expressed their delight, saying that children with Down’s syndrome will now have the opportunity to play with a doll that reflects their own unique identity.
“Children in our community will be able to play with a doll that represents them.”
Ellie Goldstein, the British model with Down syndrome, expressed her joy at the new Barbie reveal in which she appeared. The model said that upon seeing the doll, she felt overwhelmed, and that it meant a lot to her. Ellie was honored and proud that Barbie had chosen her to present the doll to the world. She emphasized the importance of diversity, stating that people need to see more individuals like her in the world, and not hidden away. In addition to her work with Barbie, Ellie is also featured as one of Vogue’s cover stars for May and is a model for Gucci Beauty and Adidas.
“I’m so happy. Seeing the doll, I felt so overwhelmed – it meant a lot to me and I’m so honoured and proud that Barbie chose me to show the doll to the world. Diversity is important to me as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away.”
More About The Syndrome
People with Down Syndrome have one extra chromosome, making them more likely to be born with intellectual impairment and a distinct physical appearance.
Mattel collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to create a new Barbie that not only authentically portrayed people with Down’s Syndrome but also honored the community via her fashionable accessories.
The design process was guided by input from the NDSS and medical experts, resulting in a shorter Barbie with a longer torso that better represents women living with the illness.
The New Barbie
The doll’s face, likewise, is more rounded and has smaller ears, a flatter nose, and almond eyes.
Her hands also show the unique single line seen in many people with her illness.
According to the NDSS, the three chevrons on the doll’s pink pendant necklace reflect the three copies of the 21st chromosome, the genetic material responsible for the symptoms of the disorder.
Barbie is seen in an outfit with a pattern of butterflies and the Down’s Syndrome awareness colors of yellow and blue; she is also shown with the pink ankle foot orthotics often worn by youngsters.
There are more than 175 Barbie dolls in the Barbie Fashionistas collection, and they all have unique hair textures, complexion tones, and body kinds.
Dolls that represent people with a wide range of impairments are also available, such as those who are deaf or who use wheelchairs.
A Barbie with braces and a Ken with an artificial limb are also part of this year’s assortment.
