Under the ADA, what is an "essential function" of a job?

An "essential function" of a job, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is a fundamental duty that must be performed by an employee in a position. This definition emphasizes that these functions are central to the job, meaning that without performing these essential functions, the job could not be fulfilled appropriately.

Understanding this concept is vital within the framework of the ADA, as it helps determine reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. If a function is categorized as essential, any necessary accommodations must take into account the ability of the employee to perform that function. For instance, if an employee is unable to perform an essential function due to a disability, an employer must explore possible accommodations or variations that would allow the employee to meet this essential requirement or, in some cases, assess if the position is suitable for the employee.

The other options do not reflect the legal standard as effectively. A duty performed by any employee does not highlight the critical nature of that function to the job's core responsibilities. Delegating a responsibility to another person conflicts with the notion of "essential," as it implies that the function may not be fundamental to the role. Lastly, stating a non-essential task can be completed if time allows misrepresents the nature of essential functions, which should