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 Scholarship Students Highlight Annual Luncheon

Natalie Hammond

Amarillo College will salute students and alumni that are succeeding as beneficiaries of the Living Independently Through Education (LITE) Scholarship Luncheon, April 6.

Since 2002, the LITE Scholarship Luncheon has raised more than $129,000 that provided 216 students with disabilities an opportunity to attend Amarillo College. These students have often overcome many obstacles to obtain an education as part of a life-long dream. Some of the LITE alumni will offer their success stories during the annual luncheon at the Amarillo Civic Center Heritage room.

Taylor Rebant

Amarillo College students Natalie Hammond and Taylor Rebant will also share their goals as current scholarship recipients. Taylor started AC in the fall of 2008 and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. After completing her studies at Amarillo College, she plans to

attend West Texas A&M or Texas Tech to study humanities.

Natalie has attended classes since 2006 and receives tremendous support from her family and AC’s Disability Services Department. She also works in the AC library and hopes to eventually obtain a Master’s degree in library science. She intends to enroll a West Texas A&M this summer.

KFDA-TV News Anchor Matthew LeBlanc will serve as the LITE Luncheon’s Master of Ceremonies. The event is promoted by the Amarillo College Disability Services and the Panhandle Coalition for Transitional Services. The event begins at 11:30 Tuesday, April 6, and includes guest speakers, vendor displays and a silent auction. Tickets are $15 and are available by contacting Kathy Roth at (806) 371-5105.