Who qualifies as a qualified individual with a disability?

The correct choice is based on the definition established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which highlights that a qualified individual with a disability is someone who can perform the essential functions of a job, with or without reasonable accommodations. This means that the individual possesses the necessary skills, experience, education, or other job-related criteria and can effectively carry out the job's fundamental duties even in the presence of a disability, with appropriate support when needed.

This understanding is important in the context of employment support, as it emphasizes the role of reasonable accommodations. These accommodations are necessary adjustments or modifications that enable an individual with a disability to perform their job effectively, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in the workplace.

The other options do not capture the essence of what qualifies someone as a qualified individual with a disability according to the ADA’s standards. For instance, having a visible disability does not automatically qualify someone, as the focus should be on job performance capability. Similarly, receiving Social Security Disability benefits can indicate a disability but does not evaluate one's ability to perform job functions. Lastly, being unable to work in a competitive environment would not align with the ADA's definition of a qualified individual, as it implies a lack of capacity to engage in the workforce, which is contrary to the