Mattel introduces its first blind Barbie, a new Barbie with Down syndrome

The universal world of Barbie is growing again – this time, with the first blind Barbie doll and a Black Barbie with Down syndrome. Toy maker Mattel announced two new additions to its Fashionista line on Tuesday.

The company worked closely with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to ensure that the blind Barbie doll represents people who are blind or visually impaired, while ensuring that the doll remains available.

“As we finish Disability Pride Monthwe believe this is a great way to make children around the world feel included, regardless of their ability,” AFB’s Tony Stephens told CBS News.

To that end, the doll is fashioned in a pinkish blue blouse and a white dress with brightly colored hook and loop fasteners to close the back of the doll’s top. The new doll even has a package available with “Barbie” in Braille.

Accessories include a white and red cane with a clear marshmallow tip and include stylish and functional sunglasses. The doll also shows the look of a blind person’s eyes sometimes: looking up and out.

“It was very exciting to have the opportunity to work with Mattel on this project,” Eric Bridges, CEO of AFB, said in a statement to CBS News. “They not only embraced the deep desire for the doll to be a true representation of our community but also how a blind child would interact with the doll.”

Bridges told People Magazine that there has been a negative history of blind people in the media, so she hopes this will help educate the public about blindness.

With its latest additions, the “different doll line” hopes to continue to allow more children to find a doll that represents them, that inspires them to tell their own stories.

“We recognize that Barbie is more than just a doll; she represents her emotions and can make a person feel important,” said Krista Berger, executive vice president of Barbie.

In 2020, the company Barbie Fashionistas line produced its first dolls with vitiligo, a hairless doll, and a doll with dark skin and a golden prosthetic leg. Last year, the company partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society and released its first A Barbie doll with Down syndrome.

This year, the two collaborated again – this time to create a Black Barbie with Down syndrome.

“NDSS is pleased to introduce the second Barbie doll with Down syndrome. Introducing this doll alongside the new Barbie doll with Blindness marks another important step in expanding representation for the disability community,” Kandi Pickard, president and CEO of NDSS, said in a statement. “We are proud to partner with Barbie as they grow to reflect our diverse and beautiful world.”

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that can affect the way their brain and body develop, according to the CDC. Each year, about 6,000 babies born in the United States have Down syndrome and it is the most common chromosomal disorder found in the United States.

A group of Black people from the Down syndrome community examined the doll’s appearance, hair, fashion and glasses. Taylor Freeman, a young Black woman with Down syndrome, also joined the focus groups, helping to create a face and body image, NDSS’ Michelle Sagan told CBS News.

Like last year, the new doll’s face has a round shape, small ears, and a flat nose bridge with her body also featuring a short frame with a tall torso. and a single line on his arm – all traits often associated with Down syndrome. .

But this new doll has braided hair, one of the key features requested by the Black Down syndrome community.

The doll also wears pink glasses, representing people with Down syndrome who often have vision problems. Her dress is blue and yellow, symbolizing Down syndrome awareness, and the three arrows in the other hearts in the dress pattern represent the third chromosome 21 that people with Down syndrome have.