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."

LITE Benefit Luncheon Ensures 30 Student Scholarships

PILC Outreach Coordinator Doug Hammett is among Amarillo College alumni who succeeded thanks to scholarship programs like the LITE luncheon.

Another 30 students with disabilities are being awarded $1,000 scholarships from Amarillo College and the Living Independently Through Education scholarship program.

Thanks to community-wide support of this year’s LITE Luncheon, $26,000 was raised during the April event. Close to 300 guests attended the luncheon which included a silent auction. The funds raised this year help students pay for tuition, fees, books, special equipment or other expenses.

Students Natalie Hammond and Taylor Rebant inspired the crowd with testimonies about their struggles going through school. Even though Natalie has difficulty walking, she said she was grateful to be able to walk. She hopes to eventually pursue missionary work. Taylor has worked hard to communicate independently and while attending A.C., she has the confidence to manage her own affairs.

This year’s LITE luncheon also saluted other A.C. alumni that have found rewarding careers and opportunities. Among those is PILC’s Doug Hammett who received recognition from AC Disability Coordinator Brenda Rossnagel. Doug believes a scholarship is worth more than just its monetary value. “It is someone showing faith in you and your abilities; so you are obligated to do your best.”