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: the first ever 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.