This week, Mattel will release the first ever blind Barbie and the first black Barbie with Down Syndrome.
A year after introducing its first doll with Down Syndrome, Barbie is adding another doll with a chromosomal abnormality and will debut a blind Barbie.
Doll manufacturer Mattel said this week that starting this week it will sell its first blind Barbie doll, as well as a black Barbie doll with Down Syndrome.
The doll is part of the Barbie Fashionistas line, a collection aimed at promoting inclusivity, offering more than 175 options featuring different skin tones, eye colors, hair colors and textures, body types, disabilities and fashions.
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“We know that Barbie is more than just a doll. She is an icon of self-expression and can inspire a sense of belonging,” said Krista Berger, Barbie’s senior vice president and global head of dolls. “We’re proud to introduce a new blind Barbie doll and a Black doll with Down Syndrome to our Barbie Fashionista line, reinforcing our commitment to creating products that represent a global sense of belonging and inclusivity in the doll aisle.”
Barbie is blind, has movable arms to comfortably wield a white-and-red cane, has a distinctive gaze, wears sunglasses to aid her light sensitivity, and her clothing is designed to stimulate tactile interest and be easy to dress. Additionally, the doll’s packaging has “Barbie” written in Braille.
The new black Barbie with Down Syndrome has a short build, long torso and low muscle tone. The doll has a rounded face, small ears, a flat nose, slanted almond-shaped eyes with white dots in the irises. The doll has a single line on the palms of her hands and braided textured hair.
Additionally, the black Barbie, who has Down Syndrome, wears pink glasses because many people with the condition have vision problems, and the doll’s outfit is blue and yellow to show awareness and features a heart with three arrows, which symbolize the triple copy of chromosome 21 that characterizes the condition.
Mattel said it worked with the American Foundation for the Blind and the National Down Syndrome Association to ensure accurate representation.
Mattel said a blind Barbie and a black Barbie with Down Syndrome will also appear in several episodes of the YouTube series “Barbie Doll Adventures” this fall.
The new dolls are available to purchase online and will be available at major retailers this summer for $10.99 each.
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