Mattel introduces the first Blind Barbie in the Fashionistas collection

Representation in media is significant, and Mattel wants to support that with its latest Barbie doll. The Fashionistas roster of dolls will now include the first blind Barbie and Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome.

According to the official press release, the Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls stated,

""We recognize that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging. 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.""

- Krista Berger

Barbie collaborated with the American Foundation for the Blind to properly develop the blind Barbie doll, to make sure that it properly represented the blind community. Mattel was determined to treat the release of its first-ever blind Barbie doll with respect.

The American Foundation for the Blind was originally founded in 1921 and emphasizes the group's priorities as being education, employment, and aging.

According to the official press release, the CEO and President of American Foundation for the Blind stated,

""It was an honor to collaborate with Barbie on the development of the blind Barbie doll. By increasing representation and promoting awareness about the experiences of the blind individuals and those with low vision, our shared goal to inspire boundless opportunities for everyone, ultimately leading to a world of greater accessibility and inclusion.""

- Eric Bridges

The Barbie Fashionistas Collection has strived to advocate for inclusion and diversity offering over 175 looks with various skin tones, hair colors and textures, disabilities, eye colors, and body types.

The collection also features Barbie dolls with Hearing Aids, dolls in a Wheelchair, a doll with a Prosthetic Limb, Vitiligo, and a doll without their hair.

In the past, Barbie dolls have been controversial for their stereotypical looks and body types. Over the years, Mattel has worked to try and show an array of dolls that offer an alternative and more representative look at the human population.

Barbie wants to work to make sure that every child feels represented and acknowledged by Mattel's various designs of a Barbie doll. Over the years, Barbie has transformed from its original traditional stereotypical Barbie to be representative of so much more. The Barbie Fashionista doll collection is the most diverse doll, which shows its continued dedication and strives to show children that there is a doll for everyone and that they are being represented, seen, and heard.

As Barbie continues to grow, Mattel strives to capture the ability to offer children everywhere the ability to establish a connection with a Barbie doll that represents them.

The blind Barbie doll and the Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome are available for $10.99.