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."

Division for Blind Services Builds Dignity, Independence

Vocational Rehabilitation Teacher Laurie Adams guided PILC staff and consumers in the use of assistive technology

Ever try writing a check or making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with your eyes closed?

It was a fascinating challenge for people with vision who shared a few lessons from the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Daily tasks that are otherwise routine for sighted people are often obstacles for the blind. Training people to function in society with little or no sight is a major objective for the DARS Division of Blind Services.

DARS IL Coordinator Dani Grill and Vocational Rehabilitation Teacher Laurie Adams offered PILC staff and consumers some new awareness about vision loss and how people can regain their confidence. They teach people new ways to do everyday tasks such as cooking, paying bills, managing medications and their personal health.

While guiding the class through a series of tests, Dani and Laurie demonstrated some techniques and devices that help improve a blind person’s living skills. Goggles that restrict vision were used while people made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. There were plenty of sticky fingers, but the class learned about using touch and other techniques in preparing food. The group also shared a brief training in being a sighted guide to assist a blind person with navigating public places.

Along with learning more about the DBS Independent Living program, the class gained a better understanding of how to live and work with people who are blind or visually impaired.