"On the one hand [the goal of the show] is to give the girls taking part a shot in the mainstream industry. On the other, it's to challenge general perceptions of what is and isn't beautiful," said co-executive producer Doug James. "Why can't an extremely attractive model in a wheelchair be used to sell the latest Prada outfit?"
While James said the "Missing Top Model" judges won't "say this person is better than this person because they worked harder to overcome their disability," he admitted that "challenges for individuals will be different" based on physical limitations. Johnson felt a recent surgery put her at a disadvantage.
"I had a cast that went clear past my elbow. It held my arm in a certain position, and it was very hard to deal with," she said.
But "Missing Top Model" mentor Jonathan Phang, a former agent whose past clients include Naomi Campbell, Jerry Hall and "America's Next Top Model" host Tyra Banks, said the only thing holding back the show's contestants is the industry's perception of them.
"At this point, people might use a disabled girl for a gimmick. They might exploit it. I don't think the industry uses disability in a positive way right now. But I hope our show will change that," he said. "The girls that we have on this show have all the qualities that a fledging model should have. The disabled girls don't have a problem with their disability. It's the industry that has the problem accepting them."
It's possible a similar series could make it to American screens. Ken Mok, executive producer of "America's Next Top Model," has cast partially blind and mentally disabled contestants before, and he's open to the idea of a competition among all-disabled models.
Do you have more information about this topic? If so, please click here to contact the editors of ABC News.
