Are job seekers with disabilities required to perform every essential function of a position to be qualified for that role?

Job seekers with disabilities are not required to perform every essential function of a position to be considered qualified for that role, primarily due to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA mandates that employers must provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, unless doing so would cause significant difficulty or expense for the employer.

Essential functions are those that are fundamental to the position. If a job seeker with a disability cannot perform a specific essential function, but can perform the other essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation, they can still be deemed qualified for the job. This flexibility allows for inclusivity and recognizes the diverse capabilities of individuals with disabilities, while still ensuring that essential job outcomes can be met.

In contrast, stating that all functions must be performed, that only certain functions related to a disability are necessary, or that qualifications depend entirely on the employer's discretion does not accurately reflect the legal protections afforded to job seekers with disabilities.