The launch of the first-ever Down’s syndrome Barbie has been heralded as increasing representation for children across the country Ellie Goldstein, a model from Essex, is appearing in a campaign for the doll, which will be released in shops on 3 May
is important to me as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away.”
Mattel, the company behind Barbie, designed and developed the doll alongside the US charity the National Down Syndrome Society and medical professionals. It said it had accurately introduced typical facial and bodily features of people with Down’s syndrome, including a rounder face and a longer torso, and the doll’s palms include a single line – a characteristic also associated with it.
Kandi Pickard, chief executive of NDSS, said the new toy was “a huge step forward” for inclusion. “This means so much for our community, who, for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them,” she said. “This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”
Carol Boys, chief executive of the UK’s Down’s Syndrome Association, said the charity often heard from families that their children felt neglected and ignored by mainstream media.
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