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NDSS PARTNERS WITH MATTEL TO BRING THE FIRST BARBIE WITH DOWN SYNDROME TO THE TOY AISLE APRIL 25, 2023– Barbie is marking a new first in the doll's 64-year history. On Tuesday, Mattel unveiled the first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome . The new Barbie was created through a partnership between Mattel and the National Down Syndrome Society , which describes itself as "the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome ." To ensure the doll accurately represents a person with Down syndrome, Barbie worked closely with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). NDSS empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing resources, driving policy change, engaging with local communities. NDSS’s guidance and real-world experiences informed the design process from start to finish, including the doll’s sculpt, clothing, accessories and packaging. The close partnership ensured the Barbie team celebrated individuals with Down syndrome through a doll that would immediately connect with the community. Counseled by NDSS, Barbie was purposeful with every design choice for the doll, including: Sculpt : This doll introduces a new face and body sculpt to be more illustrative of women with Down syndrome, including a shorter frame and a longer torso. The new face sculpt features a rounder shape, smaller ears, and a flat nasal bridge, while the eyes are slightly slanted in an almond shape. The doll’s palms even include a single line, a characteristic often associated with those with Down syndrome.1 Fashion & Accessories : The doll’s puff sleeved dress pattern features butterflies and yellow and blue colors, which are symbols and colors associated with Down syndrome awareness. The doll’s pink pendant necklace with three upward chevrons represents the three copies of the 21st chromosome, which is the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. The three chevrons, or arrows, are a symbol that unites the Down syndrome community and are meant to represent “the lucky few” who have someone with Down syndrome in their life. Orthotics : The Barbie Fashionista doll with Down syndrome also wears pink ankle foot orthotics (AFOs) to match her outfit and her sneakers tout a zipper detail. Some children with Down syndrome use orthotics to support their feet and ankles, and NDSS provided a box of orthotics to serve as real-life inspiration for the ones this Barbie Fashionista is wearing, matched to her outfit and the bright colors in her design. Children’s early experiences help shape their thoughts and perceptions – and Barbie can play an important role in this process. When a child plays with Barbie, they play out their dreams and imagine they can be anything. Doll play has an incredible purpose during key developmental stages as it may help set children on a course for success by allowing them to develop empathy – fueling social skills needed to excel as they imagine their futures with an equal playing field2. The Barbie doll with Down syndrome allows more children to see themselves in Barbie as well as the world around them, which can help foster a sense of inclusivity. Barbie is the most inclusive doll line on the market – with over 175 looks offering a variety of eye colors, hair colors and textures, body types, disabilities and fashions to tell more stories. Barbie has introduced dolls with vitiligo, dolls that use a wheelchair or a prosthetic limb, a doll with hearing aids and a doll without hair. This year, Barbie is continuing to represent global belonging and inclusivity with the full 2023 Fashionistas lineup , which also includes new dolls in a variety of body types including a new Fashionista doll wearing braces and a Ken Fashionista doll with a prosthetic leg. The 2023 Fall Fashionistas dolls, including the Barbie doll with Down syndrome, are available in limited quantities online now and in store this Summer and Fall at major retailers for $10.99 USD. ABOUT THE PRODUCT Barbie® Fashionistas™ celebrate diversity and offer endless possibilities for storytelling and fashion exploration. With this inclusive range of dolls, kids can see how fun it is to express personality through style! They’re an ideal gift for fashion-loving kids everywhere. Each sold separately, subject to availability. Dolls cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary. Designed to reflect the world kids see today, this diverse line of Barbie® Fashionistas™ showcases bright and trendy styles that make for endless storytelling possibilities. Meet the first Barbie® doll with Down syndrome! Barbie® partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society to design a doll that celebrates this community. Meaningful symbols are incorporated throughout her outfit, like butterflies -- which are a symbol of Down syndrome -- and the blue and yellow color palette, which represents Down syndrome awareness. Her pink pendant necklace has three arrows to represent the third 21st chromosome that individuals with Down syndrome have, and they point outwards to represent rising up and moving forward. Barbie® doll’s pink ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) match her outfit perfectly and support her as she walks, while her white sneakers have a zipper detail so kids can easily slip them on and off! She has blond hair and rocks a floral dress with puff sleeves! With such a versatile and stylish look, this Barbie® doll is ready for any adventure that kids dream up! Kids 3 years old and up can collect other Barbie® Fashionistas™ dolls for even more fun with friends and fashion at playtime! PURCHASE IT HERE KIDS STUFF SPECIAL NEEDS NEWS

SPECIAL NEEDS NEWS | Barbie Unveils First-Ever Doll with Down Syndrome

NDSS Partners with Mattel to Bring the First Barbie with Down Syndrome to the Marketplace

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DISCOVERY PARK IS LOCATED ON SHORT STREET LISLE–– Lisle Park District, in partnership with Unlimited Play Playgrounds, is excited to announce the opening of the community’s first, universally accessible playground, aptly named “Discovery Playground,” located in Community Park (1825 Short St., Lisle). With the help of the nonprofit, Unlimited Play, a generous donation from Lisle Partners for Parks Foundation, and overwhelming support from local businesses and residents alike, the project broke ground late summer, 2019. While there were some speedbumps along the way, the community came together to make the vision of an inclusive playground possible. Thanks to the tireless efforts and impressive skill of Lisle Park District Parks and Playground Specialists, the playground was constructed and officially opened to the public at a ribbon cutting on Saturday, August 29. As mentioned during the small ceremony by Lisle Park District Director, Dan Garvy, none of this would have been possible without the support of local organizations, in addition to Lisle Partners for Parks Foundation, like SEASPAR, The Main Street Organization of Realtors, as well as great support from the Lisle community and beyond. The park district is proud to provide an inclusive, safe play space for all ages and abilities, and could not be prouder of the work done by parks staff to make the mission a reality. Director Garvy summed up the opportunity to bring this project to the community, particularly during this difficult time period, saying “Let Discovery Playground, Opportunities without Boundaries, serve as a testament to what a community can do together, and be a beacon of inspiration and hope moving forward.” Children and adults, with and without disabilities and/or critical illnesses, will have the opportunity to play, learn, and grow, in a space specifically designed to remove physical and social barriers. Unlimited Play is a nonprofit organization that works with communities to build universally inclusive playgrounds to promote health and wellness and change communities by providing freedom of play for all children. The organization helps plan, design, and build fully accessible playgrounds, allowing children – regardless of their abilities – to play together. The Lisle Park District provides a variety of leisure activities for people of all ages throughout the year. Park district facilities include Lisle Community Park; the Recreation Center which houses Gentle Learning Preschool, SEASPAR, the Senior Center, and multipurpose rooms; Sea Lion Aquatic Park; River Bend Golf Course; Wheatstack – A Midwestern Eatery & Tap and numerous neighborhood playgrounds and parks offering amenities such as tennis courts, ball fields, walking paths and picnic areas totaling close to 400 acres. It is the mission of the Lisle Park District to enrich the quality of life for people of all ages by providing constructive and creative leisure opportunities. For more information about the Lisle Park District, please call 630-964-3410 or visit www.lisleparkdistrict.org . ALL SPECIAL NEEDS NEWS ALL DUPAGE

SPECIAL NEEDS NEWS | All-Inclusive Discovery Playground Officially Opens In Lisle

DISCOVERY PARK IS LOCATED ON SHORT STREET LISLE–– Lisle Park District, in partnership with Unlimited Play Playgrounds, is excited to...

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LITTLE FRIENDS WAS IN SPRINGFIELD EARLIER TUESDAY NAPERVILLE–Patti Boheme, Little Friends Center for Autism Executive Vice President and Co-Chair of the Illinois Autism Task Force, spoke today at the Capitol in Springfield at an event recognizing Autism Awareness Day. In her remarks, Patti spoke about the work of the Autism Task Force and emphasized the need for early diagnosis and treatment for autism stating, “We cannot make up for lost time.” Governor Pritzker echoed those sentiments in his remarks along with providers, parents, agencies, and individuals with autism who gathered to generate unity and ongoing collaboration to support those with autism. About Little Friends Fulfilling Lives - Regardless of Challenge. Every one of our clients has a right to a fulfilling life of dignity, independence and respect. So do their families. That right is universal, regardless of challenge. At Little Friends, we empower clients with autism and other developmental disabilities to thrive in our community. Our groundbreaking programs and nationally-renowned staff provide lifelong opportunities for growth, so our clients can work, learn, play and experience the joy of life’s everyday moments. Visit us at www.littlefriendsinc.org #GlancerMagazine #CaringSharing #SpecialNeedsNews #Naperville #LittleFriends #DuPageCounty #Springfield #GovPritzker #Illinois

SPECIAL NEEDS NEWS | Little Friends VP Speaks at State Autism Awareness Day Event

LITTLE FRIENDS WAS IN SPRINGFIELD EARLIER TUESDAY NAPERVILLE–Patti Boheme, Little Friends Center for Autism Executive Vice President and...

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