Upcoming Events

Fitness Class

Jun 26 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Closed for Independence Day

Jul 4 (All day)
July Peer Support

Jul 10 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
July Fitness Class

Jul 11 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Field Trip to the Zoo. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

Jul 15 - 12:00pm - 3:00pm

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."

Ed Pair Enjoys a Home and Community Service

Cutting boards and post office bank boxes are popular items made by PILC Board member Ed Pair.

With less than 10% of his vision left, Ed Pair continues a productive, rewarding life using his hands and creativity.

Surrounded by an array of wood-crafting tools in his garage, Ed assembles beautiful cutting boards and post office bank boxes, each made with precision and near-perfect accuracy. He has made other items, but specializes in things that are popular sellers. He and his wife Karen enjoy attending frequent craft shows around the region where his work is admired and purchased.

Ed is quick to acknowledge the assistance he received from the Texas Division for Blind Services (DARS) which provided much of his equipment and vocational guidance to establish his own business. Especially remarkable is a “click ruler” he uses to measure wood pieces within one-sixteenth of an inch accuracy. He uses more than 40 common and exotic woods including some expensive materials from Africa, South America, Australia and Mexico.

Although crafting is where his heart is, Ed also remains active in the community, volunteering every week to pack food boxes at his church. In November, he was elected to the Center’s Board of Directors which recognized his experience as a former PILC consumer, an advocate for the blind and his business acumen. His philosophy of community service is simple: “If you’re not giving, you’re not living.”

Ed is sometimes asked about his success to which he replies, “I’ve tried to take advantage of opportunities and resources, and we all have two choices in life. You can sit around and feel sorry for yourself, or you can do something.”