Embrace the Barbie Vibe!

Margot Robbie would be so proud! Mattel has recently introduced new Barbie dolls designed to better represent children with diverse needs and abilities. This initiative includes two Barbie dolls for children with Down syndrome, available in both Black and Caucasian versions, as well as a visually impaired Barbie.

These new additions to the Barbie family are part of Mattel's ongoing efforts to ensure that all children can see themselves reflected in their toys. The Down syndrome Barbie dolls feature distinct facial characteristics, unique body types, and clothing designed to represent those with Down syndrome. The visually impaired Barbie comes with a guide dog and a cane, providing a realistic portrayal of living with visual impairment.

Medical Information on Down Syndrome and Visual Impairment Down Syndrome

Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder that affects approximately 1 in 700 babies born in the United States each year. Children with Down syndrome often face a range of medical and developmental challenges, including several visual issues. Some of the more common visual problems in children with Down syndrome include:

• Strabismus (crossed eyes)
• Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
• Refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism)
• Cataracts (clouding of the eye lens)
• Keratoconus (thinning and bulging of the cornea)

Visual Impairment

Visual impairment in children can result from various conditions, including congenital issues, injuries, or diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 4,000 children in the U.S. is visually impaired or blind. Common causes of visual impairment in children include:

• Congenital cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Retinopathy of prematurity
• Inherited retinal diseases

Dr. Benjamin Ticho has been caring for children with Down syndrome for three decades and has an unusual depth of experience with patients of all ages who have this condition. He has performed more adult cataract surgeries for individuals with Down syndrome than any other provider in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana area. His expertise and dedication ensure that patients receive the highest standard of care tailored to their unique needs.

Details of the New Barbie Dolls

Down Syndrome Barbie Dolls:

• Facial Features: Distinct facial characteristics representative of Down syndrome.
• Body Type: Unique body types to reflect those with Down syndrome.
• Clothing: Designed with thoughtful details, including orthotic shoes and ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) used by children with Down syndrome.

Visually Impaired Barbie:

• Guide Dog: Comes with a guide dog equipped with a harness.
• Cane: Includes a cane for navigating spaces.
• Accessories: Additional accessories to enhance the doll's realistic portrayal of living with visual impairment.

You can explore these new Barbie dolls on the Mattel website .

Supporting Organizations

For families looking for additional resources and support, here are some national organizations dedicated to helping children with visual disabilities and Down syndrome:

• National Federation of the Blind (NFB): NFB Website
• American Foundation for the Blind (AFB): AFB Website
• National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): NDSS Website
• Global Down Syndrome Foundation: Global Down Syndrome Foundation Website

Encouraging Acceptance and Understanding

At Ticho Eye Associates, we understand the importance of representation in fostering a positive self-image for all children. These new Barbie dolls can be a wonderful tool for children to better understand and appreciate the world around them and to feel seen and valued.

We encourage you to check out these new Barbie dolls and share the joy they bring with your children. For more information about our services and how we can assist with your child’s eye care needs, please visit us at our offices in Chicago Ridge and Tinley Park, IL, as well as Munster, IN. To schedule an appointment, call us at 708-873-0088.