Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, how must employees perform their job duties to receive protections?

The correct answer is that employees must perform their job duties with reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to receive protections. This act is designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities in the workplace and are not discriminated against due to their disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations refer to modifications or adjustments in the workplace that enable an individual with a disability to perform their job effectively. This can include changes such as altering the work environment, modifying work schedules, acquiring special equipment, or providing additional support and training. The intent behind the requirement for reasonable accommodations is to level the playing field, allowing employees with disabilities to participate fully in the workforce.

The focus on reasonable accommodations is crucial because it allows for flexibility in how a job can be carried out, depending on the specific needs of the employee. This is not about altering fundamental job responsibilities or duties but rather about providing the necessary support to meet those requirements.

In contrast, performing the job exactly as it exists without any accommodations, changing work arrangements significantly, or sharing the job with another employee do not align with the principles of the ADA for protecting employees with disabilities. The essence of the ADA is to empower individuals through support and adjustments rather than creating barriers to their work.