Hard2Hire is a free service for job seekers, making it possible for ex-offenders to overcome their employment barriers and have an equal chance at obtaining gainful employment, a crucial step in the reentry process.

Authorizes the Secretary to fund pilot projects to help eliminate artificial and other employment barriers faced by persons requiring special assistance.

"These are people who usually have multiple employment barriers."

Examples of employment barriers are wheelchair inaccessible buildings, that create a physical barrier to people with disabilities, or practices that make some people feel uncomfortable, such as holding management meetings in strip clubs.

The Keren also works with people with employment barriers, such as new immigrants, chronically unemployed individuals, single mothers and troubled or disabled youth.

Every time we help someone find a solution to their employment barrier, the positive effects radiate throughout our community: The business community welcomes not only another worker, but a consumer with increased purchasing power.

While legal employment barriers also were hurdled, many minorities still see only a widening income gap in a shrinking economy.

As has been stated by others, the disability movement is very willing to suggest ways in which flexible working might reduce employment barriers for some.

For example, one ongoing project (funded by the Abell Foundation) works to decrease employment barriers to 45,000 non-custodial fathers in Baltimore whose child-support obligations (especially money owed to the state) exceed their ability to pay.

Ex-convicts often face other employment barriers, including poor education and problems at home, Ms. Mukamal said.