Mattel, the American toy company, has announced the release of their first ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome (https://www.today.com/parents/down-syndrome-barbie-mattel-releases-toy-doll-representing-people-condition-t183664). The new doll is part of their “Fashionistas” range which seeks to reflect the diversity of children today (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/04/27/barbie-introduces-first-doll-down-syndrome-mattel/7398058002/). The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) collaborated with Mattel in the creation of the doll (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/down-syndrome-barbie-mattel_n_6087e4a2e4b0e7cb020dc88c).
The doll has blonde hair and wears a comfortable pink sweatshirt with a graphic love-heart on it, white sneakers, and jeans (https://www.npr.org/2021/04/26/991778701/mattel-unveils-a-barbie-with-down-syndrome). According to NPR, the company has been striving to diversify its doll collection by creating other dolls with wheelchairs, vitiligo, etc. Mattel’s efforts to encourage inclusivity and to celebrate diversity have been commended by disability advocates, parents of children with Down syndrome and other disabilities.
Bethany Link, an advocate for people with disabilities, believes that the doll sends a great message to the parents and children of the world (https://www.today.com/parents/down-syndrome-barbie-mattel-releases-toy-doll-representing-people-condition-t183664). Furthermore, the head of the National Down Syndrome Society commented that the doll is a huge step for representation and welcomed it for being so inclusive (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/04/27/down-syndrome-barbie-mattel/).
This Barbie has come in handy in promoting better representation in dolls and toys, capturing how people seek to be seen and recognized for who they are. It’s Mattel’s efforts to produce an inclusive range that caters for everyone, regardless of their disabilities, that would give children with the same condition a sense of belogingness.
