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."

PILC, Imagine Enterprises Host Job Seminar

PILC and Imagine Enterprises offered encouragement to job-seekers during the Work Incentive event

People with disabilities shared tips and fresh ideas about finding good jobs – no easy task in a highly competitive environment.

PILC Employment Director Bart Hill understands the hopes and frustrations of people who attended a Social Security Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) in October. Rosemary Burkes of Imagine Enterprises co-hosted the event at the Amarillo library. Several other employment agencies were on-hand to distribute information and offer counseling.

Bart was pleased with the turnout which reflected the rising demand for jobs among people receiving Social Security benefits. ”More and more people are having a hard time making ends meet with what they’re getting from Social Security, and workers with disabilities are seeking guidance from many employment centers.” The WISE event provided people with a better understanding of employment options and how working would not jeopardize a person’s Social Security benefits.

PILC has offered employment assistance for many years to people wanting to move from dependence on social services to competitive employment. Bart said the best advice to job seekers is to sell themselves to potential employers, have a good resume, and do a lot of networking through friends and family members. “Especially important is a positive, enthusiastic interview with an employer; it can mean the difference in getting the job or not.”