ADA-Compliant Language for Essential Actions

Writing an inclusive position description involves being intentional with word choices to avoid discouraging qualified people with disabilities from applying for jobs. When identifying essential job actions (actions that the individual who holds or desires the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation), choose words that convey the actual requirements of the job without limiting the physical demands to certain abilities. To determine if an action is an essential action, ask 1) if the action is critical to job success, and 2) if the action occurs infrequently, is it critical to successful job performance?

The following table contains examples and explanations of the essential action options listed on the PER-1 and position description in PageUp.

ADA-Compliant Term	Example of Physical Demand
Position self (to move)	Crouching, stooping, crawling
Move/traverse	Walk, run
Work atop	Balance
Twist/bend	Twist side-to-side/bend at waist
Ascend/descend	Climb
Transport	Carry
Stationary position	Sit, stand
Position, detect, operate	Feel, handle
Maneuver	Pull, push
Attain	Reach
Retrieve from ground level	Squat
Repetitive movement	Performing a task repeatedly
Communicate	Speak
Communicate in written language	Write
Input data	Use keyboard
Drive	Operate vehicle

Questions?

Please reach out to the Compensation and Organizational Effectiveness team with any questions about essential job actions at hrcomp@ksu.edu.