Marginal function

A marginal function is a job-related task that is not an essential aspect of the job. Because this task is non-essential, it could be removed from an employee’s job responsibilities if the employee were unable to perform the task due to a disability. In fact, removing a marginal function could be a reasonable accommodation. For example, consider a person who works as a housekeeper at a hotel. This person can walk well but cannot walk up and down stairs. If a small part of the job is to clean the stairwell, the hotel could reassign that responsibility to another housekeeping staff member as a reasonable accommodation.

Marginal functions are different from essential functions—essential functions are tasks that are core aspects of a job.

[ Compare to: Essential function ]


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  • Introduction to the Service Animal Toolkit
    07/27/2022- Do customers bring dogs into your business claiming they are service animals, emotional support animals, comfort dogs, or therapy dogs? Join Chris Sweet, technical assistant for the Northeast ADA Cent...
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    01/28/2021- While COVID-19 was certainly one of the largest stories of 2020, other ADA items of note happened as well. Join the technical assistance team of the Northeast ADA Center as they review the year 2020....
  • ADA 101.2 Overview of Title I and Employment
    04/26/2021- This webinar is the third in the Northeast ADA's ADA 101 series. Intended for those new to the Americans with Disabilities Act or for those wanting a refresher, this webinar will focus on the employme...
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    03/26/2021- This presentation builds on the introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) given in the webinar ADA 101. Intended for those new to the ADA or for those wanting a refresher, this webinar...

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Service animals and businesses – two tips
Social media banner with a background showing three people and a service dog standing on a path in front of shrubbery. One person is using a walker. The text says: Service animals and businesses. Two tips for when a service animal enters your business… Don’t distract a service animal; they’re working. Remember that the handler is your customer, not the animal.
Service animals and businesses - why welcome them?
Social media banner with a background showing the back of a motorized wheelchair with a service dog walking beside it. The text says: Service animals and businesses. Why make the effort to welcome service animals in your business? 61 million people in the US have a disability. Welcoming service animals and their handlers expands your customer base.
Service animals and businesses - what can be asked?
Social media banner with a background showing a large service dog standing by its seated handler. The text says: Service animals and businesses. What can a business ask about a service animal? Is this animal needed because of a disability? What task has this animal been trained to perform?
Service animals and businesses - what kinds of animals?
Social media banner with a background showing an image of a service dog handler sitting at a desk and petting a dog. The text says: Service animals and businesses. What kinds of animals can be service animals under the ADA? Only dogs—or in some cases, miniature horses—can be service animals.
Small business - What is an accommodation under the ADA?
Social media banner with a background image of an open work environment with several people working at computers; most are seated and one is standing. The text says: What is an accommodation under the ADA? Any change in the work environment, or in how things are usually done, to help a person with a disability apply for a job, perform the duties of a job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment.