Mattel Launches First Barbie Doll with Down Syndrome

Mattel, the American toy company, has introduced its first Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome.

The new doll is part of Mattel's Barbie Fashionistas line, which aims to provide children with more diverse representations of beauty and fight the stigma around physical disabilities.

Importance of Representing People with Down Syndrome

The introduction of this Barbie doll is a significant step forward in promoting the inclusion and representation of people with Down syndrome. According to Kandi Pickard, President, and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), “This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them… It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”

Mattel's Approach to Inclusivity

Mattel has recently embraced a more inclusive approach to its iconic Barbie brand, which has been in the market for 64 years. In 2016, as it faced declining sales, Mattel began crafting Barbie into a more realistic depiction by making the newer dolls more diverse in their appearance. Barbie was reintroduced in four body types and seven skin tones, with 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles. Mattel's latest addition, the Barbie Fashionista line, champions diverse representations of beauty and appearance.

Detailed Features of the New Barbie Doll

Mattel worked closely with the NDSS to ensure that the new Barbie doll accurately represents a person with Down syndrome. The doll features a new face and body sculpt illustrative of women with Down syndrome, including a shorter frame and longer torso. The face features a rounder shape, smaller ears, a flat nasal bridge, while the eyes are slightly slanted in an almond shape. The new Barbie's puff-sleeved dress pattern features butterflies and yellow and blue colors, which are symbols and colors associated with Down syndrome awareness. Her palms include a single line, a characteristic often associated with those with Down syndrome.

Encouraging All Children to Play with Diverse Dolls

Mattel's Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls, Lisa McKnight, stated that their goal is to enable all children to see themselves in Barbie, while also encouraging children to play with dolls that do not look like themselves. Doll play outside a child's lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy. Therefore, Mattel's goal with the doll is to "counter social stigma through play."

A Crucial Step for Diversity and Inclusion

The new Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome is a crucial step towards promoting inclusion and representation for all, regardless of their physical or mental health status. Mattel's approach to inclusivity in its Barbie brand reflects a positive trend towards more diverse representation in the toy industry. By enabling children to play with dolls that represent diverse appearances and abilities, children can learn to appreciate and understand differences, building a more empathetic and inclusive society.