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."

The YES Summer Program Was Really Smokin’!

PILC’s summer youth program offered students a dose of personal safety and a first-hand look at the life of a firefighter.
   The Amarillo Fire Department’s fire safety trailer featured lessons about home fire safety and how to react should a blaze occur. Students learned that a little dry ice can sure look like smoke and will set off a fire alarm, as well. They were taught to leave a burning structure by the closest exit and to never go back in for anything.
   Their fire safety adventure continued at the city’s renovated Central Fire Station where fire fighters spend 24-hour shifts. Students inspected trucks loaded with medical equipment, hoses and even computers and a GPS system. During their tour, the fire alarm sounded! While firemen scrambled to respond to a house fire, the youth witnessed an efficient departure in just over two minutes.

As the Amarillo Fire Department’s fire safety trailer began filling with “smoke”, students learned to find the closest exit.

A variety of personal safety lessons are a big part of every YES summer program. Other safety-related tours this year included a trip to Northwest Texas Hospital where students learned how personnel respond to medical emergencies. Especially interesting was the Poison Control Center that featured common household health threats including some very nasty-looking spiders.
This summer’s safety lessons improved students’ awareness of taking care of themselves should trouble arise. As these youth face the realities of leaving high school, they are better equipped to pursue safer independent living.