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Like in advertising and the media, it’s important that kids with disabilities see themselves represented in the toys they play with, yet disabilities are underrepresented despite nearly 25% of the population living with a disability. Not only does playing with dolls with disabilities increase empathy in all children, but it’s especially affirming to kids with disabilities. Since its inception in 1959, Barbie has introduced more than 175 looks with a variety in skin tones, hair textures, body diversity and dolls reflecting people with disabilities.
Mattel recently has embraced a more inclusive approach to its 64-year-old iconic Barbie brand. But the company has long faced criticism for giving girls a role model of a female body type with unrealistic proportions. American Girl has stated that their purpose is to, ‘Build character through strong characters, represent every girl’s story and focus on authenticity,’” Robertson said, adding:For decades after its debut in 1959, Barbie dolls continued to be light-skinned – white – slender, blonde, with a very narrow waist, ample bosom and always teetering on impossibly high heels. The new Barbie is part of Mattel's Barbie Fashionista line of dolls which champions diverse representations of beauty and appearance. Mattel Ellie Goldstein, a British model with Down’s syndrome who has appeared in a campaign with the new Barbie, said she was “so happy” to see the new doll. She added: “Diversity is important to me as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away.” How is having a doll with Down syndrome not doing any of that? My daughter is strong. She’s independent, she loves who she is, she’s happy, she’s a self-advocate and an ambassador for numerous organizations. Her story is important too. Showing she’s a strong and capable little girl is important for other typical kids to see too. Having Charlie see a physical doll that looks similar to her shows that she’s worthy too. It shows all individuals who have Down syndrome that the world isn’t shutting them out and choosing not to include them. It shows that as a society, we are moving in the right direction and making sure that ALL individuals are represented equally. Finally, in 2016, as it faced softening sales of the doll, Mattel crafted Barbie into a more realistic depiction by making the newer dolls more inclusive and diverse in their appearance. Barbie was reintroduced in four body types and seven skin tones, with 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles. Her evolution continues with Barbie Fashionistas, which came three years later.
This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.” This realisation – that play can be a valuable tool in shaping how children think – has sent toymakers around the world scrambling to better capture the rich diversity of the world around us. Dolls that are gender neutral, in wheelchairs or which have prosthetic limbs have proliferated in recent years. AFO’s are most commonly used by children with Down’s syndrome in the US. While not all people with Down’s syndrome wear ankle foot orthotics as each person is unique, Barbie took the decision to promote the representation of adaptive equipment in the play space by including them as accessories.
The doll is intended for all children, not just those with Down’s syndrome. “Sometimes we overlook it but playing with dolls is a very enriching and formative experience for children,” Orruño said. “They can see different realities and normalise them.” Barbie consulted with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the US and medical professionals informed the design process, introducing a new face and body sculpt to be more illustrative of women with Down’s syndrome, including a shorter frame and a longer torso. Kids 3 years old and up can collect other Barbie® Fashionistas™ dolls for even more fun with friends and fashion at playtime!
We are extremely proud of the products we currently have that speak to diversity and inclusion and remain deeply committed to expanding in this important area. American Girl is continually striving to maintain its positive reputation for inclusiveness, and while we have a vast array of dolls and accessories that help a girl create a doll that’s as unique as she is, we know there are many experiences and circumstances yet to be represented. Although we’re unable to say when or if a Down syndrome doll will be developed in the future, the request has been shared with the appropriate people at American Girl and will help spur important conversations among our teams. We were thrilled to work with Ivy Kimble for our holiday catalogues and look forward to continuing our work in celebrating all girls.She said: “I am so happy that there is a Barbie with Down’s syndrome. Seeing the doll, I felt so overwhelmed - it meant a lot to me and I’m so honoured and proud that Barbie chose me to show the doll to the world. The doll wears a yellow and blue dress with butterflies, all symbols associated with Down syndrome awareness, according to NDSS. Its palms include a single line, a characteristic often associated with those with Down syndrome, according to Mattel. British model Ellie Goldstein poses with Barbie's first doll with Down's syndrome, the newest addition to the Fashionistas line
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