Tag: Down Syndrome

  • Mattel introduces Barbie doll with Down’s syndrome

    Mattel introduces Barbie doll with Down’s syndrome

    On Tuesday, powerhouse toy producer Mattel unveiled their first-ever Barbie doll that represents an individual with Down’s syndrome. The doll was developed in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to ensure that it accurately depicts a person who has the genetic disorder. Mattel consulted with the NDSS to incorporate specific design features and clothing that carry significance to represent the community.

    “Barbie plays an important role in a child’s early experiences, and we are dedicated to doing our part to counter social stigma through play,” said Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie and dolls at Mattel.

    “Our goal is to enable all children to see themselves in Barbie, while also encouraging children to play with dolls who do not look like themselves,” she added in a statement.

    Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition that results in the presence of an additional chromosome, leading to differences in physical and cognitive development. Mattel had previously introduced a range of Barbie dolls that honored feminists and other inspiring figures. With the introduction of the new Down syndrome Barbie, the total number of different looks available in the Barbie collection is 175, according to Mattel.

  • Airblue staff asks parents to leave 13-year-old son with Down Syndrome at airport, allows him to travel later

    Airblue staff asks parents to leave 13-year-old son with Down Syndrome at airport, allows him to travel later

    Airblue airline refused to allow a child with Down Syndrome to board a plane. The incident took place on March 13 at Peshawar Airport.

    The Karachi-based family of 11 members, including a Down Syndrome child was boarding a plane when the ground staff refused to fly with a differently-abled child.

    “I recently boarded a flight of Airblue (PA 603) from Peshawar to Karachi and I would like to share my shocking experience. My son, 13, a child with Down’s Syndrome, who is quite well behaved and mannered by nature and has travelled by air as well as other transportation for up to 15 hours at a time without giving us any hindrance was also accompanying me on the flight,” Samina Mahmood, the mother of the child, said in a Facebook post.

    “Just as we were boarding, a ground staff member asked me that as my child has special needs (as Down’s persons are often identifiable facially) would he misbehave on the plane or cause any other trouble? I was confused as to why she asked me this at all but reassured her my boy won’t be a problem. She then informed a superior of hers, and the superior officer outright told me that I will have to leave my child here at the airport as they will not allow him to board the plane because he might be a nuisance,” she added.

    “One of our ground staff checked on the child as he made some loud noises,” the airline stated as per Samaa. “As per SOP staff inquired if he was feeling good to travel,” the statement added.

    The airline further said that parents “took offense” and the staff member “apologised” there and then. “The family boarded and travelled,” it added. The airline said that an “apology call” was made to the passenger and they were assured that the airline will “improve on training and service level” of staff further.