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.
