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 Youth Celebrate Achievements and Friendships

Enthusiastic students and staff made this year’s Youth Encountering Success a memorable summer filled with new adventures and friendships.

Wrapping up another summer of Youth Encountering Success is always a time of both joy and sadness. This year, 23 students from Friona, Farwell, Dumas, Cactus, Panhandle and Amarillo became fast friends while sharing exciting field trips, independent living lessons, and social activities.

It seems that every year a few students are a little reluctant to be part of YES. They may be shy, nervous or apprehensive about joining a group of other students they’ve never seen. Some kids say very little to anyone, preferring just to watch or sit alone the first few days. During the ten-week program, they gathered for four hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays to gain self-empowerment, confidence and an ability to make positive choices. As the weeks passed, they began to applaud individual successes and cheered for their buddies. High-fives and hugs highlighted activities that built self-esteem and team spirit.

These youth celebrated their achievements on August 11 when each student received a certificate for individual performance. Judging from all the applause, it appeared the boys and girls were receiving Olympic gold medals. “Graduation Day” honored students who overcame fears and learned to take risks while pursuing new challenges. Most students will return next summer to continue building futures while also becoming friends to someone who needs to never sit alone.

PILC staff Sylvia Bernal, Diane Campa, Cynthia Hammett and Doug Hammett guided 23 youth through challenging summer activities. Students like Tannah Slack of Friona accepted achievement awards from PILC Board Treasurer Ray Aplin (left photo). New hats from ConocoPhillips and a few balloons also lifted spirits on Graduation Day.