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The "Presence Is An Essential Function" Myth: The Ada's Trapdoor For The Chronically Ill, Audrey E. Smith
The "Presence Is An Essential Function" Myth: The Ada's Trapdoor For The Chronically Ill, Audrey E. Smith
Seattle University Law Review
In nearly all cases, long-term chronic illnesses satisfy the ADA's broad definition of disability. However, when these illnesses begin to cause absenteeism, the "presence is an essential function" rule effectively denies protection to the victims of these illnesses, as they are no longer "qualified individuals" under the ADA regardless of whether they satisfy the technical requirements for a position. The idea that "presence is an essential function" is a myth because (1) it erroneously assumes that most jobs can be performed only at the worksite, and (2) virtually all employers are able to, and do, accommodate some degree of employee …