Barbie + Down's Syndrome

Sarah Tuberty

Representation in our media, stories, and play activities is deeply impactful. In exploring disability studies, a large barrier we face is a result of stigma and ableism which is fulled by lack of education and awareness.

Building in diversity into these medias, stories, and play activities - without a deep explanation as to why these features are included- but rather they are just there help to teach all of us that there is a wide breadth of human variation.

I was beyond excited to come across this article on Mattel creating a Barbie with low vision and another with down syndrome. It is often understood that people can hold 1 minority category when they are represented, however, there is a lack of intersectionality where a single individual may hold multiple minority identities.

This is why it is equally powerful that Mattel created a black down syndrome Barbie. It is with hope that these dolls can become a part of the common play tools found in households, in day care, in kindergarten classrooms- all helping to broaden the understanding of human variation with our little ones.

https://www.ameridisability.com/barbies-latest-additions-blind-barbie-and-black-barbie-with-down-syndrome/

What are some other play tools that you have found and enjoyed seeing representation in? Where do we need to continue to grow?