Summer Shelton, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications doctoral student, will receive a $2,000 award from the American Academy of Advertising’s Dissertation Award Competition.

 

Shelton is a 2010 graduate of Bridgeport High School.

 

Shelton’s dissertation, “Improving Representations of Disabilities in Advertising: Recommendations for Change,” focuses on how people with disabilities are represented in advertising. She explores the issue of “inspiration porn.” This concept is used in ads to show people with disabilities as inspirational stimuli for the benefit of non-disabled audiences.

 

She found that this representation has been deemed problematic. Shelton is seeking ways to improve this perception and to develop effective ads featuring people with disabilities.

 

Shelton will receive the award at the American Academy of Advertising’s annual conference in Dallas, Texas in March. She plans to graduate in summer 2019. Her dissertation committee Chair is CJC Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Debbie Treise.

 

Editor's Note: Photo and information from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communication Web site.