Miss Ability

Ever whistled at a woman in a wheelchair? Checked out the boobs of a blind babe? Flirted with a gal who has difficulty walking? This is the tagline used by Absolutely Independent, producers of the original reality TV show, Miss Ability. Twelve young women with disabilities ‘visible to the naked eye’ participate in different events in front of a panel of judges.

The twelve contestants appear before the judges in casual wear, evening wear, swim suits and lingerie/nightgowns. They are interviewed by a top journalist to prove they have what it takes to be an Ability Ambassador, must participate in a full fashion shoot with a top photographer in which the contestants must prove their abilities as a model and make a short film in which they show how they overcame their disabilities. After all this, the judges select the final four contestants. The final four contestants then give another speech and the winner is chosen by the viewing public.

The Dutch producer of the show, Jacco Doombus, insists that the shock value of a show like this is what made it a smash success. Says Doombus, “Miss Ability isn't meant to be 'ethical,’ but is meant to be a bomb! The programme generates discussion among the viewers on how we in society are looking at disabled people and how we 'qualify' them in our minds. If you want to create a change in societies perception / public opinion of disabled persons, and how people threat a disabled person, you have to throw a bomb first ... to make people think and talk."

Read more: http://disabilities.suite101.com/article.cfm/miss_ability#ixzz0QY35aBLt