Barbie Fashionistas Doll # 208, Barbie Doll with Down Syndrome Wearing Floral Dress, Created in Partnership with the National Down Syndrome Society, HJT05

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Mattel partnered with Ellie Goldstein, a British model with Down Syndrome to promote the doll on social media. Goldstein shared her feelings about the dolls and wrote:

The first Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome was released by Mattel "to allow even more children to see themselves in Barbie," the company said. Mattel has described this collection as its “most diverse and inclusive doll line, offering a variety of skin tones, eye colours, hair colours and textures, body types, disabilities and fashions, to inspire even more stories”.The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing resources, driving policy change, engaging with local communities, and shaping public perceptions. Founded in 1979, NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy and Community Engagement.Within these focus areas NDSS engages in various activities, events and programs on topics that are critical to our community such as federal and state advocacy and public policy, health and wellness, education and employment. NDSS creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers across the lifespan and hosts community events throughout the country including the National Buddy Walk® Program, the Times Square Video presentation and New York City Buddy Walk®, Racing for 3.21 for World Down Syndrome Day, Run for 3.21, and variousotherevents.Visit www.ndss.org for more information. When I saw the doll I felt so emotional, and proud. It means a lot to me that children will be able to play with the doll and learn that everyone is different. I am proud that Barbie chose me to show the dolls to the world. Diversity is important as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away, Barbie will help make this happen.”

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com . Orthotics : The Barbie Fashionista doll with Down syndrome also wears pink ankle foot orthotics (AFOs) to match her outfit and her sneakers tout a zipper detail. Some children with Down syndrome use orthotics to support their feet and ankles, and NDSS provided a box of orthotics to serve as real-life inspiration for the ones this Barbie Fashionista is wearing, matched to her outfit and the bright colors in her design. You can also share any questions you have about Barbie. Until then, stay with us here at Spiel Times for more content. The doll has a face and body structure that is similar to a woman with Down syndrome. The doll’s face is rounder when compared to other Barbies, and has slanted almond-shaped eyes, smaller ears, and a flat nasal bridge. Its body has a shorter frame with a longer torso. The doll’s palms have a single line, a characteristic often associated with those with Down syndrome 1. 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.”Kids 3 years old and up can collect other Barbie® Fashionistas™ dolls for even more fun with friends and fashion at playtime! verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy, leading to a more accepting world. 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.” Barbie® Introduces Its First Doll with Down Syndrome, Further Increasing Representation in the Toy Aisle | National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Barbie® Introduces Its First Doll with Down Syndrome, Further Increasing Representation in the Toy Aisle