The first-ever Barbie doll with Down’s Syndrome has been launched by Mattel, with disability campaigner and model Ellie Goldstein introducing her to the world.
The new doll is part of the Barbie Fashionistas line, which has introduced dolls with prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, vitiligo and other conditions in an effort to be more inclusive.
After consulting with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the US as well as with medical professionals, the new Barbie features a new face and body shape that includes a shorter frame and longer torso.
Her face features a rounder shape, smaller ears and a flat nasal bridge, with almond-shaped eyes to be “more illustrative of women with Down’s syndrome”.
She wears a pink pendant necklace that represents the three copies of the 21st chromosome, the genetic material that is responsible for characteristics associated with the condition.
[Source: independent.co.uk]
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