The Institute for Economic Empowerment seeks, through research, development and demonstration, to make significant progress toward full and fair employment for individuals with significant disabilities, particularly those facing the most significant disability-related barriers to employment.

Full and fair employment is defined as expanded employment opportunities, including: increased opportunities for promotion and career advancement, expanded options for work in a wide variety of settings (e.g., supported, competitive, and self-employment) and, where appropriate, higher wages and/or improved benefits. Additionally, this entails increased worker self-determination and greater worker economic self-sufficiency and net worth.

The Institute has a number of research projects and national initiatives to help individuals with significant disabilities achieve full and fair employment. As illustrated below, these programs are aligned with meeting three strategic objectives:

• Increase Employer Demand
• Increase Worker Availability and Productivity
• Improve and Expand Employment Support