Mattel has expanded its Barbie Fashionista Doll line with the addition of a blind Barbie doll and a Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome. The new 12.7-inch dolls increase the representation in the Barbie Fashionista Doll line, allowing more kids to find and play with dolls with similarities.

“We recognize that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging,” Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, says. “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.”

The company partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to ensure that the blind Barbie doll accurately represents those with blindness and low vision. The doll includes a white and red cane with a marshmallow tip and sunglasses, as some blind or low-vision individuals use the lens for extra eye protection. The doll has elbow articulations for comfortable cane use and features an eye gaze that faces slightly up and out, reflecting the eye gaze that is sometimes present with blind individuals.

The blind Barbie doll also features a satin-like blouse and ruffled skirt for tactile interest, a brightly colored, high-contrast hook and loop fasteners for closure on the doll’s top, and an elastic skirt waistband. These additions make swapping outfits easier for those with low vision. Mattel and the AFB also created accessible packaging, such as the proper placement and writing of “Barbie” in braille.

“It was an honor to collaborate with Barbie on the development of the blind Barbie doll,” Eric Bridges, CEO and President, AFB, says. “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.”

The addition of the Black Barbie Fashionista Doll with Down Syndrome follows Mattel’s first Barbie doll with Down syndrome, which launched last year. Mattel partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and spoke with a focus group of Black individuals with Down syndrome to create this doll. The doll features physical characteristics of people with Down syndrome, including a longer torso, shorter frame, low muscle tone, and a single line on the doll’s palm.

The doll’s face has a rounder shape, a flat nasal bridge, smaller ears, and slightly slanted eyes as well. Additionally, the doll comes with pink eyeglasses, as some individuals with Down syndrome have vision impairments, and braided hair texture. The outfit is blue-and-yellow — representing Down syndrome awareness — and has three arrows in some of the hearts, representing the third 21st chromosome.

“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 representation for the disability community,” Kandi Pickard, President and CEO, NDSS, says. “We are proud to partner with Barbie as they grow to reflect our diverse and beautiful world.”

The dolls are available online and in-store at Amazon, Target, and Walmart for $10.99. To accompany the launch, Mattel has collaborated with accessible fashion brand Aille Design for a Barbie-themed line with legible braille beadwork.

“We are delighted to introduce these dolls in partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind and National Down Syndrome Society to further our mission for every young girl to feel represented and celebrated through Barbie,” Berger says.

To view the Barbie Fashionista Doll line, visit shop.mattel.com.