Special Message

Panhandle ILC is your "Key to Independence" a symbol of the assistance and encouragement we offer to people with disabilities. More than 40 years ago in California, a group of people living in nursing homes simply because they were disabled, refused to give up their rights. Working together, they formed the first Independent Living Center, left the nursing homes, and began advocating for themselves.

This spirit continues in Centers all across America and in Amarillo where we help fill in the gaps left by other agencies. We encourage people to become their own advocates, take risks, accept responsibility, and gain control over their own lives. It's about participating as full and equal members of the community.

The philosophy behind Independent Living is that: "Everyone, regardless of disability, should have equal access to the rights and responsibilities that each citizen has to be as active and productive a member of society as he chooses to be."

Consumer Kelley Gains Confidence and Mobility

Kelley Riney now enjoys traveling on fixed-route buses.

On the morning of December 16, 2009, PILC consumer Kelley Riney reached her goal of riding the city bus independently.

This major accomplishment in Kelley’s life began six months earlier when she came to PILC requesting two things; better socialization skills and the ability to use Amarillo City Transit’s fixed-route buses. Her confidence to travel alone was a major issue that was addressed by the Center’s Travel Training staff which scheduled a series of training events. Kelley agreed to begin learning to use public transportation while traveling to attend classes and activities at PILC.

Accompanied by a training specialist, her first session in using a city fixed-route bus included paying her fare, asking for a transfer, listening to on-board announcements and signaling the driver to let her off. Learning to change buses at the downtown transfer station was a challenge. With so many buses arriving and departing, catching the right bus can be a bit overwhelming.

With practice, Kelley became familiar with making the right transfers and completing her journey. Her confidence grew with each trip and eventually was able to reach her destination while her trainer followed the bus in a car. Finally on that December morning, she walked to the bus stop, boarded the bus and made her first solo trip to PILC.

Kelley’s achievement enables her to affordably travel anywhere, anytime she chooses – a vital element of independent living. She has also demonstrated that goals can be reached through patience and determination.