The inclusive world of Barbie is expanding yet again — this time, with the first-ever blind Barbie doll and a Black Barbie with Down syndrome. Toy manufacturer Mattel announced the two new additions to its Fashionista line on Tuesday.
The company worked closely with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to ensure the blind Barbie doll accurately depicted individuals with blindness or low vision, while making sure that the doll was still accessible.
"As we wrap up Disability Pride month, we believe this is an excellent way to make children worldwide feel included, regardless of their abilities," Tony Stephens of the AFB told CBS News.
"It was so exciting to have the opportunity to work with Mattel on this project," Eric Bridges, AFB's CEO, said in a statement to CBS News. "They not only embraced a deep desire to have the doll be an authentic representation of our community but also how a child who is blind would interact with the doll."
In 2020, the company's Barbie Fashionistas line featured its first dolls with vitiligo, a doll with no hair, and a doll with a darker skin tone and a gold prosthetic limb. Last year, the company partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society and released its first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome.
This year, the two collaborated again — this time to create a Black Barbie with Down syndrome.