Mattel worked with the National Down Syndrome Society to design a New Barbie doll with Down syndrome. Barbie’s physical features, clothing and accessories are intended to reflect what it’s like to live with this condition.
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the Gamewhich the company says is the first Barbie with Down syndrome, wears pink foot orthoses to support her feet and ankles, and wears several other accessories that promote awareness of Down syndrome or are commonly used by people with the disorder.
The new doll is part of Barbie 2023 fashion linewhich the company describes as a “comprehensive range” of dolls “designed to reflect the world children see today”.
Previous dolls in Barbie Fashionista’s assortment included A Doll with hearing aidAnd Dolls that come with a wheelchair And slope and a Barbie And Ken Who have a skin condition called vitiligo.
“Our goal is to enable all children to see themselves in Barbie, while also encouraging children to play with dolls that don’t look like them,” said Lisa McKnight, executive vice president of Mattel. In a press release.
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New Barbie accessories, wardrobe
Besides the pink bows she wears on her feet, Barbie represents the following aspects of Down syndrome:
- knotted pink necklace. His three arrows represent how people with Down syndrome have three pairs of their 21st chromosome, says the company on its website.
- Butterflies on her dress. The Down Syndrome community has taken the butterfly as their symbol.
- Blue and yellow dress design. These colors also symbolize Down Syndrome awareness.
- Face and eye shape. Barbie has almond-shaped eyes, which are common among those born with Down syndrome. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Barbie has it Shorter frame and longer stemAnd According to a Mattel press release.
- Barbie face “It features a rounder shape, smaller ears, and a flatter nose bridge,” says the press release.
- “The doll’s palms even have one linea characteristic often associated with Down syndrome,” the press release reads.
What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome, the X-shaped bundles that carry our genes.
Children with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21.
This extra version changes how the child’s body and brain develop, which can cause mental and physical challenges for the child. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Each year, about 6,000 babies are born in the United States with Down syndrome. This means that Down syndrome occurs in about 1 in 700 children. says the CDC.
Although people with Down syndrome “may act and look the same,” everyone has different abilities, says the CDC on its website.
“This means a lot to our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them,” said Candy Picard, President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society. Underestimating the power of representation. It’s a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment to celebrate.”
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