Meet Benjamin Sarcadi of Breaking Barriers
Breaking Barriers empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full, independent lives. We specialize in person-centered support, offering 1:1 coaching, customized employment, and community immersion programs.
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Latest Press Releases
Stand Up for Autism – Comedy Night at The Comedy Store (Sept 14, 2025)
Breaking Barriers hosted a star-studded inclusive comedy night in Hollywood featuring AJ Wilkerson (“Captain Autism”), Vikki Barbolak (America’s Got Talent Finalist), Caroline Rhea, Stoner Rob, Drew Lynch (America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer Finalist), and Ian Edwards.
[Read the full press release below | Download PDF Version]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2025
Breaking Barriers Hosts “Stand Up for Autism” Comedy Night in Hollywood
Hollywood CA – September 14, 2025 – Breaking Barriers Employment Services hosted Stand Up for Autism at the Comedy Store, an inclusive community comedy night designed to bring autistic and neurodivergent adults together for connection, confidence building, and an evening of shared laughter.
The event featured comedian AJ Wilkerson aka “Captain Autism”, whose humor often reflects neurodivergent lived experience. His performance created a welcoming atmosphere where participants felt seen, supported, and free to enjoy a night out in the community.
The lineup also included an impressive roster of comedians: Vikki Barbolak (America’s Got Talent Finalist), Caroline Rhea, Stoner Rob, Drew Lynch (America’s Got Talent Winner), and Ian Edwards, each bringing their own unique style and energy to the show.
“Stand Up for Autism wasn’t just entertainment,” said Ben Sarcadi, CEO of Breaking Barriers. “It created a space where our participants could bond, express themselves, and feel genuinely included in their community.”
Breaking Barriers provides employment coaching, tailored day services, community integration outings, behavioral support, and paid internships for individuals with developmental disabilities. Social events like Stand Up for Autism reinforce core program goals by promoting communication skills, independent decision-making, and real-world social engagement.
About Breaking Barriers Employment Services
Breaking Barriers Employment Services supports individuals with developmental disabilities across Los Angeles County through customized employment, tailored day services, behavioral support, community integration, and paid internships. The organization is committed to helping participants build independent, meaningful, and connected lives.
Media Contact
Kevin Naruse
Digital Marketing Consultant
Breaking Barriers Employment Services
media@breakingbarrierses.org
https://breakingbarrierses.org
Breaking Barriers Expands Employment and Launches New Community Integration Initiatives Across Los Angeles County
[Read the full press release below | Download PDF Version]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2025
Los Angeles, CA, November 2025
Breaking Barriers Employment Services has expanded its employment programs and launched new Community Integration initiatives to support individuals with developmental disabilities across Los Angeles County. The organization now offers a strengthened range of person-centered services designed to build autonomy, job readiness, social skills, and meaningful community participation.
Breaking Barriers’ employment programs focus on customized job development, on-the-job coaching, workplace communication skills, resume building, and long-term employment support. The organization partners with local businesses to help participants secure roles that align with their strengths, interests, and career goals.
Alongside employment expansion, Breaking Barriers has introduced new Community Integration initiatives that provide real-world opportunities for participants to build independence. These include structured community outings, social skill development activities, and hands-on guidance in public settings where individuals can practice daily living skills, communication, and independent decision-making.
“Our goal is to support every individual in building a life that reflects their strengths and personal goals,” said Ben Sarcadi, CEO of Breaking Barriers. “We believe in person-centered support that helps people gain confidence, independence, and meaningful opportunities in the community.”
Breaking Barriers also provides Tailored Day Services, behavioral support, the Paid Internship Program, and pathways available through California’s Self-Determination Program. These services offer flexible options for individuals seeking education, employment, community engagement, and greater independence.
With ongoing growth and strong community partnerships, Breaking Barriers remains committed to helping individuals with developmental disabilities build self-directed, fulfilling, and connected lives.
About Breaking Barriers Employment Services
Breaking Barriers Employment Services supports individuals with developmental disabilities across Los Angeles County through customized employment, tailored day services, behavioral support, community integration, and paid internships. The organization is dedicated to helping participants build independent, meaningful, and connected lives.
Valentines’ Day Comedy Night Out
Breaking Barriers is a California-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities through person-centered services that promote independence, empowerment, and community inclusion. Since 2013, Breaking Barriers has delivered innovative programming that spans vocational training, paid internships, community integration, customized employment, and tailored services, all rooted in the belief that every individual deserves equitable access to opportunity and a fulfilling life.
With partnerships spanning Peer Mental Health, CodiePie, USC, CSUN, Syracuse University, and Blanck Records, Breaking Barriers stands at the intersection of disability rights, workforce development, and inclusive education. The organization actively collaborates with employers, educators, and local agencies to create real-world pathways to employment and community engagement for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Breaking Barriers welcomes coverage from news outlets, journalists, student reporters, bloggers, and documentary teams interested in stories that highlight equity, disability inclusion, workforce innovation, and the human impact of community-based services. From program success stories to systemic advocacy efforts, there are countless narratives ready to be shared.
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