Mattel Introduces First Barbie Doll , With Down Syndrome.
CNN reports that the new doll was introduced on April 25.
It is part of the Barbie Fashionistas line, which seeks to showcase diverse examples of beauty and combat physical disability stigmas.
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Previous dolls in the line have had hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, a wheelchair and the skin condition vitiligo.
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For the newest Fashionistas doll, Mattel worked with the National Down Syndrome Society to attempt to accurately represent a person with the condition.
Doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy….
, Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s executive vice president, via statement.
We are proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play, Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s executive vice president, via statement.
Kandi Pickard, National Down Syndrome Society president and CEO, also issued a statement.
This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them, Kandi Pickard, National Down Syndrome Society president and CEO, via statement.
This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them, Kandi Pickard, National Down Syndrome Society president and CEO, via statement.
This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation.
, Kandi Pickard, National Down Syndrome Society president and CEO, via statement.
It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating, Kandi Pickard, National Down Syndrome Society president and CEO, via statement
