Barbie has announced two new additions to its growing line of diverse and inclusive dolls — a blind Barbie and the first Black Barbie with Down syndrome.
In a statement, Mattel said Barbie partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind and National Down Syndrome Society to "ensure doll designs accurately reflect the community they are designed to represent".
Counselled by the Foundation for the Blind, Blind Barbie was the first Barbie Fashionista doll with blindness and included features to represent low vision throughout all stages of the design process, from the doll's sculpt to the dress pattern.
The doll comes with accessories such as a white and red cane with an identifiable marshmallow tip and designed with an eye gaze facing slightly up and out to accurately reflect the sometimes-distinct eye gaze of a blind individual.
"Unlike other Fashionista dolls, the blind Barbie doll includes elbow articulations to ensure comfortable cane use," the release said.
Barbie also worked with the Foundation for the Blind to create accessible packaging, including the name Barbie in Braille on the box.
In 2023, Barbie introduced the first-ever doll with Down syndrome, which won the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year award.
This year, Barbie once again partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society to introduce a Black Barbie with Down syndrome doll to the Barbie Fashionistas lineup.
Barbie collaborated with the Down Syndrome Society to accurately represent physical characteristics of people with Down syndrome including a shorter frame, longer torso and low muscle tone.
The doll also has a braided hair texture, a key feature asked for from the Black Down syndrome community.
Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie said the company was "delighted" to partner with these organisations to create inclusive dolls.
"We recognise that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging."
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