Americans with Disabilities Act
Compliant Words for Job Descriptions
In writing job descriptions, some words are better than others. Certain words tend to
exclude individuals with disabilities (e.g., see or hear). It is better to choose words that
convey the actual requirements of the job without limiting the physical demands to
certain abilities. The following table contains examples of words that tend to be
exclusionary and substitutes for these words.
Physical Demand
ADA-Compliant Words Job Description
Language Example
Stand or Sit Stationary position Must be able to remain in a
stationary position 50% of
the time.
Walk, Run
Move, Traverse
The person in this position
needs to occasionally
move about inside the
office to access file
cabinets, office machinery,
etc.
Use hands/fingers to
handle or feel; reach;
Operate, Activate, Use,
Prepare, Inspect, Place,
Detect, Diagnose,
Install/place
Remove/replace, Adjust
Attach, Positions Sets up
Handle/tend, feeds or
controls, Applies, Measures
Modifies, Signals, Inputs
Drafts/writes,
Compiles/retrieves
Makes/constructs
Creates/fabricates
Collects, Serves/services
Constantly operates a
computer and other office
productivity machinery,
such as a calculator, copy
machine, and computer
printer.
Climb (stairs/ladders) or
balance
Ascend/Descend, Work
atop, Traverse
Occasionally ascends/
descends a ladder to
service the lights and
ceiling fans.
Stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl
Position self (to), Move Constantly positions self to
maintain computers in the
lab, including under the
desks and in the server
closet.
Talk/hear
Communicate, Detect,
Converse with, Discern,
Convey, Express oneself,
Discuss, Exchange
information
The person in this position
frequently communicates
with students who have
inquiries about their tuition
bill or financial aid package.
Must be able to exchange
accurate information in
these situations.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Compliant Words for Job Descriptions
See Detect, Determine, Discern,
Distinguish, Perceive,
Identify, Recognize, Judge,
Observe, Inspect, Estimate,
Assess, Compare
Must be able to detect
funnel clouds from long
distances.
Taste/Smell
Detect, Distinguish,
Determine
Occasionally must be able
to distinguish sweet and
bitter flavors when creating
desserts for customers.
Strength, Carry weight, lift
Move, Transport, Position,
Put, Install,
Remove/replace
Frequently moves
Audio/Visual equipment
weighing up to 50 pounds
across campus for various
classroom and event
needs.
Exposure to work Exposed, Work around Constantly works in outdoor
weather conditions.
Examples:
Administrative Support Positions:
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment
such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Physical Demands
This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move
files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
Building and Grounds (some manual positions):
Work Environment
Regularly works around moving mechanical parts and in outside conditions that include inclement
weather, heat and humidity. Noise level may be loud at times.
Physical Demands
Must be able to move objects, and use abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time
without fatigue. Constant movement and use of limbs; this position requires good manual dexterity,
coordination and stamina.
We suggest the following terms for describing the amount of time a task takes:
Task takes less than one-third of the time—describe as “seldom” to “occasionally”
Task takes one-third to two-thirds of the time—describe as “occasionally” to “frequently”
Task takes more than two-thirds of the time—describe as “constantly”
If the amount of time spent on a task or responsibility is “none,” then omit that task from the job
description.
