As a part of a push to diversify, a Barbie doll with Down syndrome is hitting the marketplace.

The brand new doll is changed to have a shorter body and longer torso, in keeping with Mattel, the corporate in the back of Barbie. Her face has a rounder form, smaller ears, a flat nostril bridge and eyes which are slightly slanted and almond formed. As well as, Barbie’s hands have a unmarried line, as is steadily the case for the ones with Down syndrome.

Mattel stated it labored with the Nationwide Down Syndrome Society to create the brand new doll. People with Down syndrome, siblings, folks and different stakeholders have been consulted to make sure accuracy in Barbie’s illustration of the chromosomal dysfunction. The corporate additionally indicated {that a} clinical skilled reviewed the doll’s bodily options.

“Our purpose is to permit all kids to peer themselves in Barbie, whilst additionally encouraging kids to play with dolls who don’t seem like themselves. Doll play out of doors of a kid’s personal lived enjoy can train working out and construct a better sense of empathy, resulting in a extra accepting international,” stated Lisa McKnight, govt vice chairman and world head of Barbie and dolls at Mattel. “We’re proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to raised mirror the arena round us and additional our dedication to celebrating inclusion via play.”

Along with adjusting Barbie’s bodily options, the doll’s clothes is yellow and blue with butterflies, symbols and hues related to Down syndrome, Mattel famous. And, Barbie wears a pendant necklace with 3 upward chevrons to constitute the 3 copies of the twenty first chromosome found in the ones with Down syndrome.

Barbie additionally has crimson ankle foot orthotics since some kids with Down syndrome want this sort of improve. The orthotics have been designed to enrich Barbie’s outfit and are modeled after actual ones equipped via the Nationwide Down Syndrome Society, Mattel stated.

“This implies such a lot for our group, who for the primary time, can play with a Barbie doll that appears like them,” stated Kandi Pickard, president and CEO of the Nationwide Down Syndrome Society. “This Barbie serves as a reminder that we must by no means underestimate the facility of illustration. This can be a massive step ahead for inclusion and a second that we’re celebrating.”

The brand new doll is a part of Barbie’s Fashionistas line, a suite aimed toward selling inclusivity. The lineup comprises greater than 175 other seems with more than a few pores and skin tones, eye colours, hair colours and textures, frame varieties and disabilities.

Up to now, the Barbie Fashionistas line has presented up a Barbie that makes use of a wheelchair and dolls with listening to aids, vitiligo, alopecia and a prosthetic limb.

The limited-run Barbie with Down syndrome is to be had on-line now and it’s going to be at primary outlets this summer time and fall for $10.99.

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