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First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

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Barbie has firmly established itself as an iconic doll for over 60 years now. Countless children have grown up with it, and many still will. Therefore, while being a beloved cultural symbol, we are happy to see that Barbie embarked on a journey to evolve, embracing inclusivity and ensuring that every child feels seen and represented within the diverse range of Barbie dolls.

This time Mattel, the renowned American multinational toy manufacturing company that is also responsible for creating Barbie dolls, worked with the National Down Syndrome Society to design a doll that would represent a person with Down syndrome. To unveil the doll for the first time, Mattel invited parents with kids who have Down syndrome. In a heartwarming video, they shared what this means to them and how important it is to be represented.

More info: corporate.mattel.com | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

Meet the first-ever Barbie with Down syndrome, a result of a partnership between Mattel and the National Down Syndrome Society

First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

Image credits: corporate.mattel

This doll embodies the unique physical characteristics of women with Down syndrome

First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

Image credits: corporate.mattel

“This 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 even include a single line, a characteristic often associated with those with Down syndrome.”

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“The Barbie Fashionista doll with Down syndrome also wears pink ankle foot orthotics (AFOs) to match her outfit and her sneakers tout a zipper detail. Some children with Down syndrome use orthotics to support their feet and ankles, and NDSS provided a box of orthotics to serve as the real-life inspiration for the ones this Barbie Fashionista is wearing, matched to her outfit and the bright colors in her design.”

First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

Image credits: corporate.mattel

First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

Image credits: corporate.mattel

Even the doll’s clothing is thoughtfully designed to authentically represent people with Down syndrome

First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

Image credits: corporate.mattel

“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. The three chevrons, or arrows, are a symbol that unites the Down syndrome community and are meant to represent “the lucky few” who have someone with Down syndrome in their life.”

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First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

Image credits: corporate.mattel

First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

Image credits: corporate.mattel

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First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

Image credits: corporate.mattel

Parents shared that this felt like a special time in our culture where they finally feel seen and included

First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

Image credits: corporate.mattel

“This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them,” NDSS President and CEO Kandi Pickard said in a statement. “This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation.”

First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

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Image credits: corporate.mattel

First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

Image credits: corporate.mattel

First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

Image credits: corporate.mattel

Nowadays, Barbie is considered the most inclusive doll line on the market with over 175 looks

First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

Image credits: corporate.mattel

The company has already introduced dolls with vitiligo, that use a wheelchair or a prosthetic limb, a doll with hearing aids and a doll without hair.

First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

Image credits: corporate.mattel

Each new edition helps children to play out their unique stories, not being limited to one type of doll

First Barbie With Down Syndrome: Mattel Continues To Increase Representation In The Toy Aisle

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Image credits: corporate.mattel

13Kviews

Hidrėlėy

Fascinated by music, movies and sitcoms, I'm passionate about social media and can't live without the internet, especially for all the cute dog and cat pictures out there. I wish the day had about 40 hours to be able to do everything I want.

Fascinated by music, movies and sitcoms, I'm passionate about social media and can't live without the internet, especially for all the cute dog and cat pictures out there. I wish the day had about 40 hours to be able to do everything I want.

Ieva Midveryte

Hello Pandas! My name is Ieva, though it's often mistaken for the word 'Leva,' and in Lithuanian, it means 'loser' (insert the pain emoji). While I don't take offense if you accidentally call me a loser, I thought I'd share something interesting with you, which I also do professionally at work.Anywayyy, my favorite part here is introducing you to creative people who deserve just as much recognition as famous celebrities. Besides that, I also enjoy memes and funny, lighthearted posts, and occasionally, I find myself drawn to a bit of internet drama.

Hello Pandas! My name is Ieva, though it's often mistaken for the word 'Leva,' and in Lithuanian, it means 'loser' (insert the pain emoji). While I don't take offense if you accidentally call me a loser, I thought I'd share something interesting with you, which I also do professionally at work.Anywayyy, my favorite part here is introducing you to creative people who deserve just as much recognition as famous celebrities. Besides that, I also enjoy memes and funny, lighthearted posts, and occasionally, I find myself drawn to a bit of internet drama.

What do you think ?

jjdubs W 1 year ago

I don't think the face looks obviously like Down syndrome at all. However, I love the other attention to detail.

35points

Gracey 1 year ago

I do, as someone whose sibling has DS i can definitely see the features.

5points

Load More Replies...

LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago

This is incredibly sweet. I think that some people don't fully grasp just how important representation is. Children and teens deserve every right to feel included and accepted. Seeing themselves lovingly represented can help boost their self-esteem and confidence.

17points

Brunning6 1 year ago

I don't think anyone would know that doll represents girls with Down's syndrome unless they were told.

14points

CatLady 1 year ago

I could see it. I've you spend time with people with Down's, you can see it.

8points

Load More Replies...

Pink Aesthetic 1 year ago (edited)

"The three chevrons, or arrows, are a symbol that unites the Down syndrome community and are meant to represent “the lucky few” who have someone with Down syndrome in their life.”" I'm sorry but I don't think it's considered lucky to have a syndrome that takes away normal things from your everyday life such as independence and the same developmental stage as those of the same age. It's a great responsibility to care for someone with Down syndrome, it's very challenging emotionally and physically.

7points

Red Lotus 🪷 1 year ago

I was thinking the same thing... It's awesome that people with Down syndrome are being represented, but I did feel that the choice of words was a bit odd.

4points

Load More Replies...

supertall 1 year ago

Do they make a plus-size Barbie yet?

7points

Marisa Stolt 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Load More Replies...

The Hairy Wardog 1 year ago

No need to be rude. People should not get downvoted or yelled at for asking questions.

11points

glowworm2 1 year ago

This is lovely. All the kids' happy faces playing with the Barbie are priceless.

6points

Toni Atchison 1 year ago

Personally, I think this is beautiful.

4points

Maxi 1 year ago (edited)

So cute! I loved to play with Barbies as a child. It's so cool that there are a lot of different Barbies nowadays.

4points

Joshua David 1 year ago

I hate that some people will be mad at this. This also would've been a good opportunity to give someone with downs a role in the new barbie movie.

2points

Doodles1983 1 year ago

I cannot “see” the facial characteristics of Downs Syndrome. At all. My uncle was DS and I’m very familiar with it, and contrary to other comments, I can’t see it.

2points

Korean Boi 1 year ago

this made my heart glow with happiness

1point

Joe's Milk 1 year ago

If they worked together with the DS organization, then I am sure that the barbie is accurate.

0points

amy ess 1 year ago

Definitely doesn't look like a person with Down Syndrome, just another barbie. Mattel-,do better!!

0points

Jessica SpeLangm 1 year ago

While I applaud the effort made on Mattel's part, I don't think they are doing as good of a job representing anyone else other than their original Barbie. I think they could do MUCH better.

0points

Minnie Not Mouse 1 year ago

I think this is wonderful, but she has kind of become a political thing, as Repiblicans think she is anti-Abortion because she has down-syndrome.

0points

Gracey 1 year ago

Americans seem to be able to turn everything into an argument. It's disappointing and shuns the fact that this is a beautiful opportunity for representation and education for others.

2points

Load More Replies...

jjdubs W 1 year ago

I don't think the face looks obviously like Down syndrome at all. However, I love the other attention to detail.

35points

Gracey 1 year ago

I do, as someone whose sibling has DS i can definitely see the features.

5points

Load More Replies...

LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago

This is incredibly sweet. I think that some people don't fully grasp just how important representation is. Children and teens deserve every right to feel included and accepted. Seeing themselves lovingly represented can help boost their self-esteem and confidence.

17points

Brunning6 1 year ago

I don't think anyone would know that doll represents girls with Down's syndrome unless they were told.

14points

CatLady 1 year ago

I could see it. I've you spend time with people with Down's, you can see it.

8points

Load More Replies...

Pink Aesthetic 1 year ago (edited)

"The three chevrons, or arrows, are a symbol that unites the Down syndrome community and are meant to represent “the lucky few” who have someone with Down syndrome in their life.”" I'm sorry but I don't think it's considered lucky to have a syndrome that takes away normal things from your everyday life such as independence and the same developmental stage as those of the same age. It's a great responsibility to care for someone with Down syndrome, it's very challenging emotionally and physically.

7points

Red Lotus 🪷 1 year ago

I was thinking the same thing... It's awesome that people with Down syndrome are being represented, but I did feel that the choice of words was a bit odd.

4points

Load More Replies...

supertall 1 year ago

Do they make a plus-size Barbie yet?

7points

Marisa Stolt 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Load More Replies...

The Hairy Wardog 1 year ago

No need to be rude. People should not get downvoted or yelled at for asking questions.

11points

glowworm2 1 year ago

This is lovely. All the kids' happy faces playing with the Barbie are priceless.

6points

Toni Atchison 1 year ago

Personally, I think this is beautiful.

4points

Maxi 1 year ago (edited)

So cute! I loved to play with Barbies as a child. It's so cool that there are a lot of different Barbies nowadays.

4points

Joshua David 1 year ago

I hate that some people will be mad at this. This also would've been a good opportunity to give someone with downs a role in the new barbie movie.

2points

Doodles1983 1 year ago

I cannot “see” the facial characteristics of Downs Syndrome. At all. My uncle was DS and I’m very familiar with it, and contrary to other comments, I can’t see it.

2points

Korean Boi 1 year ago

this made my heart glow with happiness

1point

Joe's Milk 1 year ago

If they worked together with the DS organization, then I am sure that the barbie is accurate.

0points

amy ess 1 year ago

Definitely doesn't look like a person with Down Syndrome, just another barbie. Mattel-,do better!!

0points

Jessica SpeLangm 1 year ago

While I applaud the effort made on Mattel's part, I don't think they are doing as good of a job representing anyone else other than their original Barbie. I think they could do MUCH better.

0points

Minnie Not Mouse 1 year ago

I think this is wonderful, but she has kind of become a political thing, as Repiblicans think she is anti-Abortion because she has down-syndrome.

0points

Gracey 1 year ago

Americans seem to be able to turn everything into an argument. It's disappointing and shuns the fact that this is a beautiful opportunity for representation and education for others.

2points

Load More Replies...

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