Mattel Introduces First Barbie Doll , With Down Syndrome.<br />CNN reports that the new doll <br />was introduced on April 25.<br />It is part of the Barbie Fashionistas line, which seeks to showcase diverse examples of beauty and combat physical disability stigmas. .<br />Previous dolls in the line have had <br />hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, a wheelchair and the skin condition vitiligo. .<br />For the newest Fashionistas doll, Mattel worked with the National Down Syndrome Society to attempt to accurately represent a person with the condition.<br />Doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy…. , Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s executive vice president, via statement.<br />We are proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play, Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s executive vice president, via statement.<br />Kandi Pickard, National Down Syndrome Society president and CEO, also issued a statement.<br />This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them, Kandi Pickard, National Down Syndrome Society <br />president and CEO, via statement.<br />This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them, Kandi Pickard, National Down Syndrome Society <br />president and CEO, via statement.<br />This Barbie serves as a reminder <br />that we should never underestimate <br />the power of representation. , Kandi Pickard, National Down Syndrome Society <br />president and CEO, via statement.<br />It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that <br />we are celebrating, Kandi Pickard, National Down Syndrome Society <br />president and CEO, via statement
