In October of 1982, the U.S. Department of Education awarded a five-year contract to Utah State University to initiate a program of research investigating the efficacy of early intervention. This contract, along with a state appropriation, led to the establishment of the Early Intervention Research Institute (EIRI)--an interdisciplinary group of researchers currently funded by a variety of federal, state, and private grants and contracts to conduct research on efficacy questions and other areas of concern, to collect cost and cost-effectiveness data, to develop demonstration programs, to provide technical assistance, and to disseminate information regarding these activities. The original mission of the institute was outlined in the first contract:
"...to investigate the effectiveness and associated costs of early education and related services for infants and children with different kinds and severity of disabilities."
Although research and evaluation remain a primary focus, EIRI activities and its mission have expanded. Projects are no longer restricted to children with disabilities and now focus on children with varying needs in the community. The awareness of the family role in intervention and a need to understand this role from a practice and impact perspective have grown. Other projects focus on developing new interventions, providing technical assistance, and facilitating the development of systems of service. The mission of EIRI has become one of understanding early intervention (broadly defined) while facilitating knowledge development and implementation of knowledge to practice.