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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."
PILC Directors Approve The Move!
Panhandle Independent Living Center will soon deliver expanded services for men, women and youth with disabilities, thanks to the acquisition of a building at 417 West 10th on May 20, 2011.
Since 2005, PILC has experienced steady growth with additional programs and more consumers seeking independent living services. The new building offers 6,700 square feet of space; twice the space presently available for activities.
While the Center’s present location at 1118 South Taylor has been a great place for consumer activities since 1998, operating space has dwindled. Executive Director Carl McMillen said, “We’re simply out of room to provide the level of services our consumers are requesting. The new location will allow us to meet the needs of our consumers for many years to come.”
Since 1998, the Center’s staff has grown from five employees to as many as 12 people providing services to more than 300 consumers annually. The location on West 10th will feature a large, fully accessible training kitchen, an expanded computer center, fitness training, as well as the ability to provide multiple activities at the same time.
All activities will be available on one floor as opposed to the Center’s present two-story facility. This means greater accessibility and convenience for consumers and guests. The location on West 10th is served by Amarillo City Transit and is also near allied agencies, making travel easier and more efficient for consumers.
PILC’s Board of Directors is proceeding with numerous improvements including ADA accessible remodeling. Grand opening ceremonies may occur sometime in May, 2012.
