Mattel, the company that makes the iconic Barbie doll, has debuted its first Barbie with Down syndrome. The doll, which was released on March 9, 2023, is part of Mattel’s Fashionista line, which features dolls with a variety of skin tones, hair colors, and body types.
The new Barbie doll has been praised by Down syndrome advocates, who say it is a positive step towards increasing representation of people with disabilities in the media.
“This is a huge step forward for inclusion,” said Kandi Pichard, president and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society. “For the first time, girls with Down syndrome can have a Barbie that looks like them.”
The doll has also been met with positive reactions from parents of children with Down syndrome.
“I’m so excited for my daughter to have a Barbie that looks like her,” said one mother on Twitter. “This is such a powerful message of inclusion.”
The new Barbie doll is part of a larger trend of companies working to increase representation of people with disabilities in the media. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile examples of this trend, including the casting of a deaf actress in the upcoming Marvel movie “Eternals” and the release of a children’s book featuring a character with Down syndrome.
“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 & Dolls at Mattel said in the release.
“This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them,” Kandi Pickard, NDSS President and CEO said in the release.
Barbie is also wearing leg orthotics and a dress pattern featuring butterflies and yellow and blue colors — symbols and colors associated with Down syndrome awareness.
Mattel has introduced its first-ever version of the Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome https://t.co/Fl3WmwsLEU pic.twitter.com/x7F47zGjgu
— CNN (@CNN) April 25, 2023
