Mattel introduces first Barbie with Down syndrome

Toy company Mattel revealed its first Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome on Tuesday.
The company said, Mattel collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society to create the Barbie and “ensure the doll accurately represents a person with Down syndrome.”
Design features of the new Barbie were made under guidance from NDSS, Mattel said. In addition to portraying some physical characteristics of a person with Down syndrome, the Barbie’s clothing and accessories carry special meaning.
The blue and yellow on the doll’s dress, accompanied by butterflies, represent symbols and colors associated with Down syndrome awareness. Mattel said, the three chevrons on the Barbie’s necklace represent how people with Down syndrome have three copies of their 21st chromosome.
In addition, the Barbie wears ankle foot orthotics, which some children with Down syndrome use.
Barbie’s new doll representing a person with Down syndrome is part of Mattel’s 2023 Fashionistas line, which is aimed at increasing diversity and inclusivity. Previous dolls that have been introduced to the Fashionistas line include a Ken doll with a prosthetic leg, a Barbie with hearing aids and dolls with a skin condition called vitiligo.