Alison Wilde

Dr Alison Wilde is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Sciences at Northumbria University. Her work focuses on disability representation in media, public health communication, and gender studies. She has contributed to critical analyses of disability narratives in film, television, and policy contexts. Key areas of research include media accessibility for marginalized groups, the sociopolitical dimensions of disability advocacy, and intersectional approaches to gender and disability. Dr. Wilde has been recognized for her contributions, including being shortlisted for the British Forces in Business Awards 2025. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges academic theory and practical advocacy, emphasizing inclusive practices in education and cultural sectors.

Her research explores how media portrayals shape societal attitudes toward disability, with particular attention to autism, learning disabilities, and the experiences of disabled women. Recent work includes studies on pandemic-era communication strategies for vulnerable populations and the evolution of disability content in mainstream media. Dr. Wilde is also involved in evaluating policies related to healthcare accessibility and home-care re-ablement services, contributing to evidence-based reforms.

• Education Policy: Investigates barriers to inclusion in education systems, particularly in rural Welsh communities.
• Arts Accessibility: Advocates for disability access in cultural events, such as the Venice Biennale Fellowships.
• Advocacy Work: Highlights systemic issues in disability welfare through projects like 'Digital threads' and 'Never leave anybody behind'.

Dr. Wilde’s publications span journals, book reviews, and collaborative research reports, often emphasizing participatory methodologies and intersectional frameworks. She has collaborated on initiatives like the REAP project in Wales and contributed to understanding the impact of home-care reforms on independent living.