• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Barbie unveils the first-ever doll with Down's syndrome

Home> News

Published 20:06 25 Apr 2023 GMT+1

Barbie unveils the first-ever doll with Down's syndrome

Everyone wants a doll that represents them and now, Mattel has released a Down's syndrome Barbie to help children learn about one other.

Britt Jones

Britt Jones

Mattel announced today a first in the world of Barbie - a doll with Down's syndrome.

As part of the Mattel Barbie Fashionistas line, the dolls included within the range are released represent diversity and to challenge the beauty standards around disabilities in order to help support children with how they view themselves.

In other versions of Barbie Fashionistas, there have been dolls that feature a prosthetic leg, hearing aids, a wheelchair user, and a doll with the skin condition Vitiligo.

Advert

And for the newest Barbie Fashionista dolls, Mattel has said that it worked very closely with the National Down's syndrome Society to get the correct representation of the features of a person with the genetic disorder.

This included the doll’s shape, facial features, clothing, accessories, and packaging.

Down's syndrome is a genetic condition which affects cognitive ability, which often causes learning disabilities that range on severity.

Mattel have created a Barbie doll with Down's syndrome.
Mattel

Advert

Kandi Pickard, the NDSS president and CEO, said in a statement: “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.”

The intricacies of the details provided to this doll for accuracy and representation includes palms with a single line, which is something often associated with Down's syndrome, according to Mattel.

The new Barbie outfit is also conscious of what she wears. For example, she wears a pink ankle foot orthotics to support her feet and ankles.

Advert

And the doll’s necklace includes three upward chevrons which is a symbol that unites the Down's syndrome community and represents the three copies of the 21st chromosome.

Ellie Goldstein, a model and advocate for people with Down's syndrome, said she was 'overwhelmed' after seeing the doll, stating: "Diversity is important... as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away."

Mattel’s executive vice president, Lisa McKnight stated: “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.”

Model and advocate Ellie Goldstein praised the introduction of the new doll.
Mattel

Advert

With a shared goal to 'counter social stigma through play', the brand wants to help others to understand each other.

McKnight concluded: “Doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy… We are proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down's syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play.”

Mattel has been adding inclusivity to the 64-year-old iconic Barbie brand over the last few years, which is largely due to the age-old criticism the brand has faced for creating dolls with unrealistic body standards.

After its debut in 1959, Barbie dolls were always white, slim, and blonde, big breasted and long legged.

Advert

Finally, as sales started to soften in 2016, Mattel decided to mould Barbie into a more realistic depiction by making newer dolls which showed inclusive and diverse appearances, such as different body types and skin tones.

Featured Image Credit: Mattel

Topics: Barbie, Good News

Britt Jones
Britt Jones

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

3 hours ago
5 hours ago
  • 3 hours ago

    Woman with fear of dolls sues boss after terrifying office prank left her with PTSD

    A former banker with a lifelong fear of dolls says she’s had PTSD after a prank at work

    News
  • 3 hours ago

    Celebrity chef Anne Burrell's final Instagram post before she suddenly died aged 55 as police release heartbreaking details

    Anne Burrell was best known for TV shows like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America

    Celebrity
  • 5 hours ago

    Teen dies aged 14 just days after contracting infection as doctor issue urgent warning

    William Hand tragically died on June 8 at the age of 14

    News
  • 5 hours ago

    Celebrity chef Anne Burrell dies suddenly aged 55 as police release heartbreaking details

    Anne Burrell's family confirmed her death on June 17

    Celebrity
  • Model with Down’s syndrome is so happy to see a Barbie doll made in her image
  • Margot Robbie is pregnant with her first baby
  • Scientists discover first ever dolphin with 'thumbs' and reveal shocking reason why it could have happened
  • First lawyer with down syndrome reveals what type of law she is going to practice