Mattel Introduces New Barbie Dolls
Mattel, Inc. has announced two new Barbie dolls: one that is blind and one that is a Black doll with Down syndrome. These dolls are designed to help more children see themselves in their toys and inspire them to tell more stories through play.
Blind Barbie Doll with Help from AFB
Barbie worked with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to make sure the blind Barbie doll is accurate. Features include:
Accessories: A cane with a marshmallow tip and stylish sunglasses.
Elbow Joints: For easy cane use.
Textured Clothes: A satiny pink blouse with a textured skirt, and easy-to-use fasteners.
Packaging: Includes braille writing on the box.
Eye Gaze: Designed to look like the gaze of blind individuals.
Black Barbie Doll with Down Syndrome
Last year, Barbie introduced a doll with Down syndrome, which won an award. This year, Barbie worked with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to create a Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome. Key features include:
Body: Shorter frame and unique face features.
Hair: Braided texture.
Fashion: Colours and symbols representing Down syndrome.
Glasses: Pink eyeglasses.
More Inclusive Barbie Fashionistas Line
The 2024 Fashionistas series includes over 175 different dolls with various skin tones, eye colours, hair colours, body types, disabilities, and fashions. These include dolls with vitiligo, dolls that use a wheelchair or a prosthetic limb, a doll with hearing aids, and a doll without hair.
The new blind Barbie doll and Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome are available online now and will be in stores this summer for $10.99.
Barbie is also teaming up with fashion brand Aille Design on a collection featuring braille beadwork.
