News & Information > News Releases

Back in the Kitchen

By Melanie Mowry Etters

GULF BREEZE, FL - Stephanie Murray has broken new ground at a fast food restaurant in the Pensacola area. Murray is the first person with a disability to work at the Zaxby's restaurant in Gulf Breeze. Murray, who has autism, has been employed since 2009.

Zaxby's Assistant Manager Sara Redding says, "Stephanie is always on time. She's here ready to clock in and go to work." Murray's work ethic is outstanding notes Redding, "She always wants to do more. She quickly gets all her work done, and then asks what else she can do.".

Murray receives supported employment services from Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). The agency pays for a job coach to visit Murray at work and help her learn new tasks or brush up on existing skills. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. APD is highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities to the work force.

Murray comes in two days a week to perform food preparation. She takes food items like chicken strips, onion rings, fried pickles, and mushrooms from larger containers, weighs the items, then places them in smaller bags to be delivered to the cooks for preparation. Murray ensures that each customer gets what they pay for—the proper amount of food.

Murray is a woman of few words who is focused on getting her job done. She says, "I like my job. The people that work here are nice and I like them."

Redding says, "Stephanie points out if someone isn’t doing something correctly and gets on to them. She makes it easier for managers because she corrects them."

This year, Murray received an injury while riding her bicycle which left her with a back injury. She did not complain about the pain, and worked each day until she received back surgery. Murray was supposed to remain on medical leave for two months; however, she missed her co-workers and job so much that she returned in five weeks. Upon her return, Murray quickly settled back into her routine. Additionally, she was given more responsibilities which included filling salad containers and preparing coleslaw and other items.

Murray says she gets paid each week, and puts her check in the bank. She is careful with her income, and spends it on essentials. "I buy groceries with the money," she says.

"Stephanie likes to crack jokes with everyone. She has one of the best personalities of all the employees here. She is hilarious, friendly and sweet. We love having her here," says Redding.

The agency annually serves about 35,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities of mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information on the agency, call 1-866-APD-CAREs or visit http://apdcares.org.