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."

Turn Center Expands Children’s Care

Friends and families of children with disabilities celebrated new facilities dedicated to “turning lives around.”

Grand opening ceremonies for Amarillo’s new Turn Center were held May 1 in the Medical Center complex at 1250 Wallace Boulevard. Multiple agencies are now located in a common care center for children with physical disabilities and people of all ages with communication or hearing deficits. The facility is a result of a merger between the Children’s Rehabilitation Center and the Amarillo Speech and Hearing Center.

Turn Center Executive Director Chris Hale (right) and Panhandle Council for the Deaf Director Mark Sturkie unveiled spacious new facilities on May 1.

Mark Sturkie, Director of Panhandle Council for the Deaf, is proud of the collaborative effort which he says improves services for families. “It really is a one-stop center that allows people with multiple disabilities to see therapists in one location.”

The Turn Center offers expanded services in physical, occupational and speech therapy. The complex includes activity rooms, a large gym and play area, and spacious rooms for therapy and consultations.