Essential Functions Under ADA

If a disabled individual satisfies the legitimate prerequisites of the position, the next step is for the employer to determine whether the individual can perform the essential functions of the position held or desired. As part of this analysis, defining what functions are essential to a particular job is critical in the determination process. In general, an employer is entitled to define the job in question, in terms of both its essential functions and the qualifications required. Thus, the purpose of an essential functions analysis is not to second guess an employer's judgment in describing the essential requirements for the job. Rather, the focus of the analysis is to determine if an employer actually requires all employees in a particular position to perform what an employer describes to be the essential job functions.