This Iconic Fashion Doll is Even More Inclusive

Children want to play with dolls that look like them. That’s why Mattel’s Fashionista collection represents the most diverse and inclusive collection of 175 Barbie dolls with a large variety of skin tones, hair, body diversity, and disabilities including a Barbie with hearing aids and a Barbie who uses a wheelchair. Now Mattel, Inc. has introduced two more inclusive into the collection, according to a press release from the toy company.

“We recognize that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging,” Krista Berger, the company’s senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls said in the press release. “We proudly introduce a new blind Barbie doll and Black doll with Down syndrome to our Barbie Fashionistas line, reinforcing our commitment to creating products that represent global belonging and inclusivity in the doll aisle.”

Introducing the new blind Barbie
The blind Barbie was co-designed with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), reported Forbes, which advised the toy company on the doll’s appearance, accessories , as well as the packaging. This includes a specific eye gaze that faces slightly up and out that reflects the gaze of people who are blind or visually impaired. The cane has been properly positioned and the clothing was designed with a ruffled skirt and the closures are easy for a child to do by feel.

The packaging contains a braille inscription and a simple pull tab. AFB also ensured that the retail website is screen reader accessible and this is something that can be adapted for all the Fashionista line.

Lucy Edwards, a UK disability activist and broadcaster who is blind and assisting in the doll’s release campaign, told The Guardian that “[the doll means] “everything to me. As a teenager, I felt isolated by losing my eyesight and not seeing role models like me. I was embarrassed by my cane – but knowing Barbie had a cane would have made me feel so differently about mine and helped me feel less alone on my journey to accept and embrace my blindness.”

Celebrating the Black Barbie with Down Syndrome
The new Black Barbie with Down syndrome, follows the release of the first white Down syndrome Barbie in 2023, and was designed with input from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and from a focus group of young Black women with Down syndrome.  According to Forbes, the focus group’s participation led to the inclusion of the doll’s braided hair texture.

This doll, like the one released last year, was designed with a shorter frame, low muscle tone, a rounder face with a flat nasal bridge, slightly slanted eyes with white dots in the irises as well as a palm with only a single line to resemble people with Down syndrome.

The doll’s clothing stresses inclusion, according to the press release, including the blue and yellow outfit which represents Down syndrome awareness and the three arrows in some of the hearts of her dress represent the third chromosome that people with Down have.

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

Both dolls are available online and in-store at major retailers. Now more children will be able to play with dolls that look like them and this will increase self-esteem; but the new fashionistas are not just for children who are blind, have Down syndrome, prosthetics, empathy hearing aids or any of the conditions that are represented. All children can develop empathy and appreciation for all people.

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