DUNEDIN, Fla. — Finding a job can be challenging — and if you have a disability, it can be even harder. 

In 2024, the unemployment rate for people with a disability was about twice that of those with no disability, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Current Population Survey. 

In October, Spectrum News is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

What You Need To Know

  • The owners of Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro in Dunedin say they hire people of all abilities

  • The owners’ son has autism and they said they saw a need for employment opportunities

  • They’ve hired around 10 people with autism or Down syndrome since they opened 12 years ago

Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro in Dunedin hires people of all abilities. 

Gabby Collazo is a busy busser.

“Whenever we don’t have a lot of customers or there’s nothing for me to clean tables, this is what I do often,” Collazo said while setting up the menu holders.

Whether it’s switching out menus, seating customers or clearing tables, Collazo has it under control.

“You get to meet nice people here, both employee and customer,” Collazo said. “It’s a really nice workplace.”

She’s been working at Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro for more than three years, but Collazo said it was difficult at first because she has autism. 

“I’m not used to talking to new people because I get nervous easily,” she said. “And it’s hard for me to get a get along, because you don’t know what they like. You don’t know if they’re comfortable talking to you.”

The restaurant has been in business for 12 years, and the owners estimate they’ve hired close to 10 people with autism or Down syndrome. Angelica Galvin, who has Down syndrome, has been a hostess at the restaurant for eight years.

“They make me very, very happy, like a gift,” Galvin said.

One of the owners has a son is on the spectrum, which led to the realization that there is a need for employment opportunities for people like him. 

“It was a thought, it was like, ‘OK, what is he going to do in the future?’” said co-owner Elizabeth Perez-Keene.

Perez-Keene said it’s rare for people with different abilities to be a part of the day-to-day busy restaurant operations, and since their son has autism, she said they figured, why not let him try? 

“We just have to give them a chance, and not just automatically put in our heads that it’s just hard for them to do a job,” Perez-Keene said “Let them do it, let them try because they’ll prove you so wrong.”

The industry, Perez-Keene said, teaches them multitasking and patience, while Collazo said it’s helped her socially.

“The employees here are all so nice,” Collazo said. “That’s what helps me get through the day. Helps me chat, at least talk a little more, make eye contact. It’s been easy, it’s been helpful.”