Mattel has expanded its line of Barbie Fashionista dolls to include a blind Barbie and a black Barbie with Down syndrome. The new 12.7-inch doll increases the representation of the Barbie Fashionista doll line, allowing more children to find and play with similar dolls.
“We recognize that Barbie is more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and creates a sense of belonging,” said Krista Berger, Barbie senior vice president and global head of dolls. “We are proud to introduce new blind Barbie dolls and a black doll with Down syndrome in our Barbie Fashionista line, reinforcing our commitment to creating products that represent global belonging and inclusivity in the doll market. promise.
The company partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to ensure that Blind Barbie accurately represents people who are blind and have low vision. The doll includes a white and red cane with a marshmallow tip and sunglasses, as some people who are blind or have low vision use lenses for extra eye protection. The doll features elbow joints to comfortably use a cane, and the eyes are oriented slightly upward and outward, reflecting the gaze sometimes seen in blind people.
Blind Barbie also comes with a satin-like blouse and frilly skirt for added tactile interest, a colorful, high-contrast hook and loop fastener to close the top of the doll, and an elastic skirt waistband. These additional features make it easier for people with low vision to change clothing. Mattel and AFB have also created accessible packaging, such as correct placement and “Barbie” written in Braille.
“It’s an honor to partner with Barbie on the development of Blind Barbie,” said Eric Bridges, CEO and President of AFB. “By increasing representation and raising awareness of the experiences of people who are blind and partially sighted, our shared goal is to inspire limitless joy for everyone.” opportunities, ultimately leading to a more accessible and inclusive world.”
Following last year’s launch of the first Barbie doll with Down syndrome, a black Down syndrome fashion Barbie has been launched. Mattel worked with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and spoke with focus groups of Black people with Down syndrome to create the doll. The doll has the physical characteristics of someone with Down syndrome, including a longer torso, shorter frame, lower muscle tone and a line on the doll’s palm.
The doll has a rounder face, a flat nose, smaller ears, and slightly slanted eyes. Additionally, the doll comes with pink glasses, as some people with Down syndrome have visual impairments, and has braided hair texture. The suit is blue and yellow—representing Down syndrome awareness—and has three arrows on some of the hearts, representing the third chromosome, chromosome 21.
“NDSS is excited to introduce a second Barbie doll with Down syndrome. This doll, along with the new blind Barbie doll, marks another important step in expanding representation for people with disabilities. “We are honored to partner with Barbie dolls collaborate as they grow to reflect our diverse and beautiful world. “
The dolls are available online and in-store at Amazon, Target and Walmart for $10.99. To coincide with the launch, Mattel has teamed up with accessible fashion brand Aille Design to launch a Barbie-themed collection featuring clear braille beads.
“We are excited to launch these dolls in partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind and the National Down Syndrome Society to further our mission of making every young girl feel represented and celebrated by Barbie,” said Berger.
To view the collection of Barbie Fashionista dolls, visit shop.mattel.com.
