FARGO — In a first for Barbie dolls, Mattel has worked alongside the National Down Syndrome Society to help build a Barbie with features associated Down syndrome.
They made an effort to work with individuals who have Down syndrome throughout the whole process.
The doll has almond shape eyes and a shorter stature. It is dressed in a blue and yellow dress to represent the colors for Down syndrome, a pink pendant necklace that represents the three copies of the 21st chromosome, and an ankle brace that many with Down syndrome have for stability.
The announcement of the new doll drew the attention of Gigi's Playhouse in Fargo, a nonprofit that focuses on people with Down syndrome.
Fargo's GiGi's Playhouse Executive Director Heather Lorenzen said she is so happy the Barbie is promoting inclusion for the Down syndrome community.
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"We all have abilities to be humans and to do life things and dream big, and so this Barbie doll is just allowing additional opportunities," Lorenzen said.
She said more products should relate to a group that is outside of the norm.
"I hope that other organizations and toys really bring in not only Down syndrome but other people with differences to showcase that we all have abilities," Lorenzen said.
The Barbie is available in limited quantities online and will be in stores this summer and fall at major retailers.
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