Panhandle ILC is your "Key to Independence" a symbol of the assistance and encouragement we offer to people with disabilities.  More than 50 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."