Which law requires employers to make reasonable accommodations that enable a disabled person to perform essential job functions?

• A. Americans with Disabilities Act
• B. Civil Rights Act
• C. Rehabilitation Act
• D. Age Discrimination in Employment Act

Answer: (A)

The essential concept is that disability protections in the workplace require providing accommodations so a qualified person with a disability can perform the job’s essential duties. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers with 15 or more employees must offer reasonable accommodations for a known disability, unless doing so would create an undue hardship for the business. These accommodations are meant to enable the employee to perform the core, necessary functions of the position, and can include things like flexible scheduling, revised duties, assistive technology, or making facilities accessible. The key is that the accommodation helps the disabled employee carry out the essential functions, not just any task.

The Rehabilitation Act covers similar ideas but only for programs or employers that receive federal funds or are part of the federal workforce, not all private employers. The Civil Rights Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act address protection from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or age, rather than guaranteeing disability-specific accommodations.