In an effort to make it easier for more kids to discover a toy that reflects them, Barbie is releasing its first doll with Down's syndrome.
The doll was created, according to Mattel executives, to "enable all children to see themselves in Barbie". They worked along with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the US to get the product on the market.
Charities applauded the decision; UK Down's Syndrome Association CEO Carol Boys said: "Children in our community will be able to play with a doll that represents them."
Ellie Goldstein, a Down's syndrome-affected British model who starred in a promotion for the new Barbie, expressed her happiness upon seeing the doll. "Diversity is important to me because more people like me need to be seen in the world and not kept out," she said.
In order to better represent women with Down's syndrome, Mattel stated it sought advice from the NDSS and medical experts throughout the design process. As a result, a new face and body sculpt were added, with a shorter frame and a longer torso.
The doll's pink pendant necklace, which has three upward chevrons, is meant to reflect the three copies of the 21st chromosome, the genetic component responsible for the symptoms of the illness, according to the NDSS.
The chevrons, or arrows, stand in for "the Lucky Few" who are in the lives of those with Down's syndrome. From Tuesday, it will be available for pre-order from the toy retailer Smyths. The doll is a part of the 2022-released Barbie Fashionistas range. It also includes masculine dolls who are leaner and less muscular, as well as a Barbie with a prosthetic limb and a Barbie who uses a wheelchair.
These dolls "offer a variety of skin tones, eye colours, hair colours, textures, body types, disabilities, and fashions to inspire even more stories," according to Mattel. In recent years, Mattel has released more varied Barbie lines, one of which was inspired by real women who defied social norms. Ibtihaj Muhammad, a fencer who made history by being the first American to wear the hijab while competing and winning Olympic gold, served as the inspiration for a doll that was released in 2017.
Kandi Pickard, president and CEO of NDSS, said that collaborating with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down's syndrome was an honour. For the first time, members of our community can play with a Barbie doll that resembles them, which means a lot to them.
"This Barbie serves as a reminder that the importance of representation should never be understated. At this point, we are pleased with the progress for inclusion.
The puff-sleeved doll's outfit pattern includes butterflies and the colours yellow and blue, which are signs of Down's syndrome awareness.
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