DOLLS WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Dolls by Jerri


 
In the early spring of '97, Jerri was commissioned, by Donna Moore of Downi Creations, to produce a Doll with Down Syndrome. This has turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences she has ever had. "I have thoroughly enjoyed this project because of the learning experience involved. Donna did all the research for me and all I had to do was read, look at the pictures then create the doll. I wanted the doll to be attractive and present a positive image while at the same time present some of the characteristics known to Down syndrome.

I sculpted a combination of many children, each one different from the other. The characteristics displayed are the outside slant upward of the eyes, the flat bridge between the eyes with overlapping skin, the flatness on the back of the head, the turn-down top of the ears, the tongue slightly protruding, the one line across the center of the palms with the pinkie slightly turned inward and last of all, the spread toes."

Many years ago dolls created an emotion in people but as dolls flooded the market you heard less and less of life experiences reminded of by the dolls. Well, when these precious children (dolls) were shown to the public for the first time at the Rosemont, Chicago show, all of us had tears in our eyes. We cried right along with the parents and relatives of children with Down syndrome. If you knew of a child with Down syndrome, you immediately knew what these dolls were. If you did not know a child with Down syndrome, you would just think they are cute little babies. To see someone pick up a doll and go immediately to check out these special features, and then to see the tears overwhelm them (us, too) is extremely emotional.. Their comments were "Finally, someone has made a doll for our children". I personally had never met a child with Down syndrome until recently, but after studying them, these children are beautiful, inside and out!"

THE NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME CONGRESS commented "We were all taken aback by the sheer beauty and positive portrayal of these dolls. No other doll has been as tastefully done.....They are beautiful. The workmanship and materials make them a high quality product.

Frank J. Murphy, Executive Director

Captured in each Doll with Down syndrome are the following
characteristics:

The single line across the hand and the
pinkie finger turned inward. The fingers are somewhat shorter.

The turn down or flap at the top of the ear

Spread toes especially between
large toe.



Each doll is 19" tall with vinyl head, hands and feet. Open edition.  Click on pictures below to view larger photo.

  KATHRYN

  TIMOTHY

ELIZABETH

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