Mattel Releases New Barbie To Represent People With Down Syndrome

The toy company's goal is to "counter social stigma through play."

Mattel has introduced a new Barbie representing people with Down Syndrome.

The new doll is part of Mattel’s Barbie Fashionistas line. The company aims to offer children more diverse representations of beauty despite the stigma around physical disabilities.

The company teamed up with the National Down Syndrome Society to get insight on the doll’s shape, features, clothing, accessories, and packaging, to make sure that it accurately represents a person with Down Syndrome.

The new Barbie sports pink ankle foot orthotics to match her dress, and her sneakers feature a zipper to represent children with Down syndrome.

The dolls fit also features symbols and colors associated with Down Syndrome.

The toy company’s goal is to “counter social stigma through play.”