Press release
Barbie® Introduces the First Blind Barbie Fashionista Doll and Black Barbie Fashionista Doll With Down Syndrome, Allowing Even More Children to Tell Stories Through Play
Released as part of this year’s global Barbie Fashionistas lineup, Barbie partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind and National Down Syndrome
About this update from Mattel, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\nReleased as part of this year’s global Barbie Fashionistas lineup, 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\n\n\n\n EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nMattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced today the addition of a blind Barbie doll and a Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome, created to allow even more children to find a doll that represents them and inspire all children to tell more stories through play.\n\nThis press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240722329826/en/Barbie® Introduces the First Blind Barbie Fashionista Doll and Black Barbie Fashionista Doll with Down Syndrome, Allowing Even More Children to Tell Stories Through Play (Graphic: Business Wire)\n“We recognize that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging,\" said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls. “We proudly introduce a new blind Barbie doll and Black doll with Down syndrome to our Barbie Fashionistas line, reinforcing our commitment to creating products that represent global belonging and inclusivity in the doll aisle.”\n\n\nBarbie partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), an organization dedicated to creating a world of endless possibilities for individuals with blindness and low vision, to ensure details of the blind Barbie doll, including face sculpt, fashion, accessories, packaging experience, and e-commerce communication, accurately depict individuals with blindness or low vision.\n\n\nCounseled by AFB, Barbie was committed to represent individuals with blindness and low vision throughout all stages of the design process, from the doll’s sculpt to the dress pattern:\n\n\n\nAccessories: The doll comes with a white and red cane with an identifiable marshmallow tip and includes stylish and functional sunglasses. With some blind or low-vision individuals sensitive to light, the lens provides additional eye protection.\n\n\n\nElbow Articulations: The blind Barbie doll includes elbow articulations to ensure comfortable cane use.\n\n\n\nTextured and Vibrant Fabrics: Barbie conducted testing with blind and low-vision children to ensure that t...