Upcoming Events

Limited activities during May due to building renovations. We still keep regular office hours. Call 806-374-1400.

May 31 - 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."

Keyboards are Clicking at PILC!

PILC’s computer classes are brimming with people facing tough economic times and the need to improve employment skills.

PILC’s consumer computer lab is a busy place that offers free opportunities to build typing, Internet and job-related skills

That’s according to Assistant Executive Director Diane Campa who says the lab has become busier with 13 students using six computers. Two of the students are learning to use visual software. “With so many students, we’ve had to juggle class times to coordinate their schedules and the lab’s availability.” Diane believes that because of high fuel and other rising living expenses, people are beefing up their computer skills to meet employment standards.

The lab is managed by PILC’s Sylvia Bernal who supervises training and the daily schedules. The rise in computer lab students, she says, is also due to some agencies cutting back on training and because PILC has a flexible time frame for training. “People who come here don’t feel pressured and they can work at their own pace,” she said. Following three days of one-on-one training, students advance to tutorial software programs to continue improving their skills independently.

Diane and Sylvia would welcome a qualified community volunteer who could help with training during this busy season. Information about volunteering is available at PILC, 374-1400