Mattel Unveils First Barbie Doll Representing a Person with Down Syndrome to Promote Awareness and Acceptance

Toy company Mattel has unveiled its first Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome. The doll was created in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society to ensure it accurately portrays a person with the condition.

The doll’s dress features blue and yellow colors, accompanied by butterflies, which are symbols and colors associated with Down syndrome awareness. The clothing and accessories of the Barbie also carry special meaning, and the three chevrons on the Barbie’s necklace represent how people with Down syndrome have three copies of their 21st chromosome.

In a statement, Mattel said it hopes the doll will help “promote awareness and acceptance of people with Down syndrome” and “encourage people to embrace the beauty of diversity.” The company also said it is “proud to share a doll that has been designed to represent a community that is underrepresented in the fashion doll aisle.”

The Barbie is part of Mattel’s “Dolls of the World” collection, which includes dolls from different countries and cultures. The company said it hopes the doll will help “inspire a more inclusive world.”

The National Down Syndrome Society also praised the doll, saying it was “thrilled” to collaborate with Mattel on the project. The organization said it hopes the doll will “help children with Down syndrome feel represented and celebrated.”