Legal Definitions - QUID

QUID stands for Qualified Individual with a Disability.

A Qualified Individual with a Disability is an individual who:

• Has a disability.
• Meets the legitimate, non-disability-related requirements for a job (such as education, experience, and skills).
• Can perform the fundamental, core duties of that job, either on their own or with a reasonable adjustment (known as a "reasonable accommodation") provided by the employer.

This legal term ensures that an employer cannot refuse to hire, promote, or otherwise discriminate against someone simply because of their disability, as long as the individual can perform the essential functions of the job. The law distinguishes between essential job functions (the core tasks central to the role) and incidental functions (minor tasks that are not fundamental to the job). An individual will not be disqualified if they cannot perform an incidental function, provided they can handle the essential duties.

Here are some examples:

• Example 1: Maria applies for a position as a senior accountant. She possesses all the required certifications, extensive experience with financial software, and a strong track record in auditing, meeting all the educational and skill requirements. Maria uses a prosthetic leg and requires an office chair with specific lumbar support and a workstation that allows her to easily move between her desk and a shared printer. The employer determines that with these reasonable accommodations, which do not pose an undue hardship, Maria can perform all the essential functions of a senior accountant role, such as preparing financial statements, managing budgets, and advising clients. Maria is a Qualified Individual with a Disability because she meets the job qualifications and can perform the essential duties with reasonable accommodation.

• Example 2: Ben, who has a visual impairment, applies for a technical support specialist role. He has a strong background in troubleshooting computer systems and network issues, fulfilling all the experience and technical skill criteria. For his work, Ben requests specialized screen-reading software and a large, high-contrast monitor. The employer finds that providing these accommodations allows Ben to effectively diagnose problems, guide customers through solutions, and document support tickets, which are the essential functions of the role. Ben is considered a Qualified Individual with a Disability because his disability does not prevent him from performing the core job functions when appropriate accommodations are provided.

• Example 3: Chloe, who has a learning disability that makes it challenging to quickly transcribe handwritten notes, applies for a marketing coordinator position. Her primary responsibilities involve developing social media content, coordinating advertising campaigns, and analyzing market trends using digital tools. While occasionally taking handwritten notes during brainstorming sessions might occur, the essential functions of her role are digital content creation and strategic planning. Chloe excels at digital marketing strategies, graphic design software, and online analytics, meeting all the essential requirements for the marketing coordinator role. Even if she needs assistance with the incidental task of transcribing handwritten notes, she is a Qualified Individual with a Disability because she can perform the essential functions of the job.