Building a More Accessible Campus: New Expertise and Tools to Support WFU
The heart of the Wake Forest experience is the ability for every community member to participate fully in campus life. Ensuring that physical and digital spaces are open to everyone is more than a goal — it’s a reflection of our commitment to one another. To support this mission, the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) is excited to announce a new team member, as well as a suite of refreshed resources focused on accessibility.
Putting People First
Human Resources recently welcomed Jadarius “J.D.” Jackson to OIE as the new ADA/Section 504 Coordinator. Jackson brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously served in director-level capacities for both learning and accessibility resources at other higher-ed institutions, most recently at UNC School of the Arts. While his work at WFU provides essential oversight for the Americans with Disabilities Act, his primary focus is on building partnerships.
Jackson will serve as a dedicated guide for anyone navigating accessibility needs or seeking information on accommodations. Overall, he aims to streamline the support process to ensure that every interaction remains clear, respectful, and effective.
“I’ve always believed that working together is the best way to remove the barriers that stand in the way of success, and I’m honored to bring my experience in creating accessible environments to Wake Forest,” Jackson says. “To me, this is about more than oversight — it’s about championing equity and accessibility so that belonging becomes a welcoming, lived reality for everyone on campus.”
Jackson will join OIE in its new, central location — Reynolda Hall, Suite 22. Additionally, all accessibility questions, comments, and materials now go directly to Jackson at ADA@wfu.edu.
“Bringing J.D. on board enhances the depth of resources we can offer the University,” says Aishah Casseus, the executive director of OIE. “His role is about more than compliance — it’s about people. The experience he brings will strengthen our ability to collaborate across departments, as well as enhance the support systems that our faculty, staff, and students rely on every day.”
Utilizing New Resources
To make information more transparent and easier to find, OIE recently moved its web presence to the HR website, and it launched a refreshed ADA/Section 504 webpage.
The new webpage offers clear guidance on WFU’s updated ADA policy, as well as updated procedures for requesting support or accommodations. There is also a new FAQ that provides quick answers to the questions that OIE hears most often, including a new section related to ADA/Section 504.
Connecting With OIE
To learn more about the new coordinator position and available resources, the campus community is invited to an upcoming Lunch and Learn on April 15. It will be a great opportunity to ask questions and better understand how the OIE team can assist you or your department.
The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) fosters a safe and inclusive campus by overseeing University compliance and providing resources related to discrimination, harassment, and accessibility.