Welcome to the Positive Work Experiences Research (PoWER) program led by Dr. Vidya Sundar, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy department at the University of New Hampshire. 

Drawing from the principles of positive psychology, the Positive Work Experiences Research Program (PoWER)  focuses on engagement, job satisfaction, and crafting behaviors as a foundation for growth and career advancement for people with disabilities. I conceptualize PoWER as inner strength that comes from positive experiences of self-efficacy, meaningfulness, vigor, and enthusiasm about one’s work rather than a sense of control or authority over others. 

The overarching goals of my research program are (1) to examine factors that are associated with positive work experiences and (2) develop and test programs and policies that support positive work experiences of people with health issues and disabilities. I work with a multi-disciplinary team of researchers and students to examine programs and policies that promote positive work experiences. My research program aims to help individuals with disabilities achieve their full potential at work. In doing so, I hope to change the rhetoric on people with disabilities from that of dependence and facing barriers to leveraging positive work experiences.