Mattel introduces two first-of-their-kind inclusive Barbie dolls: See the new additions

Barbie has announced two new additions to its growing line of diverse and inclusive dolls: a blind Barbie and the first Black Barbie with Down syndrome.

Mattel announced the two new dolls on Tuesday as part of Barbie's 2024 Fashionistas Line, an inclusive range of dolls with over 175 varieties of skin tone, eye color, hair color and texture, body types, disabilities and fashions.

The line has represented different disabilities and appearances in the past, releasing Barbies and Kens with mobility aids like wheelchairs and braces, dolls with hearing aids, hair loss and vitiligo. Last year's line welcomed the first-ever Barbie with Down syndrome.

According to a statement from Mattel, the two newly announced dolls were created in partnership with nonprofit agencies that advocate for those with vision impairment and blindness and people with Down syndrome. Through conversations with members of the communities the dolls represent, the toymaker was able to incorporate accurate details down to the number of lines on the Barbies' palms.

“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, in a press release. “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."

Both dolls will be available for purchase starting Tuesday and will also appear in the YouTube series, "Barbie Doll Adventures."

Barbie Fashionistas 2024: Barbie releases new doll with Down syndrome in new lineup of inclusive figures

First blind Barbie for the Fashionistas Line

Barbie partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to create the blind Barbie, consulting on the doll and accessories right down to the packaging. The blind Barbie is the first for the Fashionistas Line, but Mattel also introduced a blind Barbie with its doll inspired by Helen Keller, part of the brand's Inspiring Women series.

The newest blind doll comes with a white and red cane with a marshmallow tip and a pair of functional sunglasses. "Some blind or low-vision individuals may be sensitive to light," explained the creators. "...the lens provides additional eye protection."

Unlike some other models, this Barbie has bendable elbows to allow her to comfortably use her cane. Her eyes are also designed with an "eye gaze facing slightly up and out," reflecting the appearance of the eyes of some blind or low-vision individuals.

Mattel also consulted AFB on the clothing, design and packaging for the doll, creating a more accessible experience for the children and adults who may be using or shopping for her.

Testing with blind and low-vision children helped designers to land on a sensory-rich outfit for Blind Barbie: a satiny pink blouse and ruffled skirt for a strong tactile experience, a brightly colored, high-contrast hook and loop closure on the back of her top and an elastic waistband on her skirt for ease of use.

The high-contrast elements are more easily viewable for people with low vision, while the hook and loop fastener and elastic waistband make it simpler to change Barbie's clothes.

The packaging itself was also made more accessible, with new features that will now be implemented on all Barbie Fashionistas dolls moving forward. The new box design includes braille spelling out "Barbie," strategically placed with the guidance of AFB, and an easier-to-open design featuring a pull tab that opens the back of the box.

"It was an honor to collaborate with Barbie on the development of the blind Barbie doll,” said Eric Bridges, CEO and President of the American Foundation for the Blind, in a press statement. “By increasing representation and promoting awareness about the experiences of blind individuals and those with low vision, our shared goal is to inspire boundless opportunities for everyone, ultimately leading to a world of greater accessibility and inclusion."

Blind Barbie: Release date, price

The Blind Barbie is available beginning Tuesday both online at the Mattel shop and in major retailers for $10.99.

Black Barbie with Down syndrome

Mattel also introduced another new doll, a Black Barbie who is the second to have Down syndrome. The first was released in April 2023.

This Barbie is the second to be designed in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), though this time Mattel went a step further and also consulted a focus group of Black individuals from the Down syndrome community.

The first Black Barbie with Down syndrome was sculpted to accurately depict the physical characteristics of people with the condition, including "a shorter frame, longer torso and low muscle tone." She also features palms that only have single lines etched in them, a common characteristic of people with Down syndrome.

Her head was also crafted with great attention to detail, creating a face with a rounder shape, smaller ears, flat nasal bridge and eyes that are slightly slanted in an almond shape with white dots in the iris. She also comes with pink glasses, meant to represent individuals with Down syndrome who often experience vision disruption.

The Barbie's hair and clothes were also designed based on community feedback. Her hair is textured and braided, a request made to Mattel from the Black Down syndrome community, while her blue and yellow dress features a pattern that is associated with the Down syndrome awareness movement. The three arrows in some of the hearts on the dress also "represent the third 21st chromosome that individuals with Down syndrome have."

"NDSS is thrilled to introduce a second Barbie doll with Down syndrome. Having this doll launched alongside the new Barbie doll with Blindness marks another important step in expanding representationfor the disability community,” said Kandi Pickard, President and CEO of NDSS in a press release. “We are proud to partner with Barbie as they grow to reflect our diverse and beautiful world."

Black Barbie with Down syndrome: Release date, price

The Black Barbie with Down syndrome is also available beginning Tuesday online at the Mattel shop and in major retailers for $10.99.

Barbie Fashionistas line

The Barbie Fashionistas line was first introduced in 2009 and releases a new lineup of dolls each year. It is described by Mattel as an inclusive range of dolls "designed to reflect the world kids see today."

The dolls come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with plenty of skin tones, hair colors and types, eye colors and shapes, fashion styles, disabilities and more to choose from. The 2023 line included several different Barbies and Kens in wheelchairs, Barbies and Kens with vitiligo, the first doll with Down syndrome and a Ken with a prosthetic leg.

According to Mattel, the Barbie Fashionistas series offers more than 175+ looks. The dolls aim to "advance Barbie’s continued goal of reflecting a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion" and enable more children to see themselves in their dolls and "see their world reflected through play."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mattel introduces blind Barbie, Black Barbie with Down syndrome