Breaking Barriers followed the IPS model by assigning employment specialists to help participants set career goals and search for a job. Employment specialists maintained relationships with local employers, which they used to connect participants to potential job opportunities. After participants found employment, specialists provided as-needed, customized support (such as counseling or transportation assistance). This follow-along support did not have a time limit. Participants were involved in the program for an average of 10 months. Breaking Barriers served San Diego County residents with low incomes who were older than age 18, had a self-identified disability, and were not working (or were working fewer hours than they wanted). In addition, clients were required to have a referral from a qualified partner (including the California Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the California Department of Rehabilitation, and the County Behavioral Health Services.) Breaking Barriers operated in four locations throughout San Diego County, CA, from 2016 to 2018.
Summary
Breaking Barriers was a San Diego County program that used the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model to help people with disabilities find competitive employment.
Effectiveness rating and effect by outcome domain
View table definitionsScroll to the right to view the rest of the table columns
| Outcome domain | Term | Effectiveness rating | Effect in 2024 dollars and percentages | Effect in standard deviations | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increase earnings | Short-term | 
|
$948 per year
|
0.026 | 648 |
| Long-term |  |
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| Very long-term | |
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| Increase employment | Short-term |
|
3% (in percentage points)
|
0.083 | 648 |
| Long-term | |
||||
| Very long-term | |
||||
| Decrease benefit receipt | Short-term | |
|||
| Long-term | |
||||
| Very long-term | |
||||
| Increase education and training | All measurement periods | |
Studies of this program
| Study quality rating | Study counts per rating |
|---|---|
 High
|
1 |
Implementation details
Cost information
The average cost per participant was $3,727 in 2024 dollars.
This figure is based on cost information reported by authors of the study or studies the Pathways to Work reviewed for this intervention. The Pathways to Work converted that information to a single amount expressed in 2024 dollars; for details, see the FAQ. Where there are multiple studies of an intervention rated high or moderate quality, the Pathways to Work computed the average of costs reported across those studies.
Cost information is not directly comparable across interventions due to differences in the categories of costs reported and the amount of time interventions lasted. Cost information is not an official price tag or guarantee.
State(s) where implemented
Pathways to Work refers to programs by the names used in study reports or manuscripts. Some program names may use language that is not consistent with our style guide, preferences, or the terminology we use to describe populations.