Welcome to the Disability Resource Center of Panama City
At the Disability Resource Center (DRC) of Panama City, we are proud to be your Center for Independent Living (CIL), dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities live independently. Serving Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Franklin, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, and Washington counties, we are committed to the communities in the Florida panhandle, offering support, resources, and advocacy to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote independent living for and by individuals with disabilities, to enable them to take control of their lives, to make decisions about themselves and their future, to ensure that the necessary support services are available to enable them to be active participants in their communities; and to prevent unnecessary institutionalization.
A Member of FACIL
The Disability Resource Center is a proud member of the Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living (FACIL). This affiliation connects us with a statewide network of centers committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. Together, we advocate for systemic change, share best practices, and strengthen our capacity to serve our communities effectively.
Our Services
As a Center for Independent Living, we offer a core set of services that include, but are not limited to:
- Advocacy: Educating and assisting individuals in understanding their rights, advocating for themselves, and navigating systems to effect change.
- Independent Living Skills Training: Skill-building in areas essential for living independently, such as budgeting, self-advocacy, and effective communication.
- Information and Referral: Connecting individuals with disabilities to community resources, services, and supports that enhance their quality of life.
- Peer Support: Promote connections between individuals with disabilities to share experiences, offer support, and create a sense of community.
- Transition Services: Facilitate transition from institutions to the community, provide assistance to those at risk of entering institutions, and facilitate transition of youth to postsecondary life.
We also specialize in services for the deaf and hard of hearing community, providing telecommunications assistance, coordinating interpreting services, and educational resources to ensure effective communication and access to services.
Appointment-Based Services
Due to our commitment to providing personalized and effective support, most of our services are offered by appointment. This approach allows us to ensure that each individual receives the attention and resources they need to achieve their goals for independence. Our small, dedicated staff is passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, and we strive to offer flexible and responsive services to meet the diverse needs of our community.
Connect With Us
If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, or if you’re interested in learning more about how you can support our mission, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, we can build a more inclusive and accessible community for everyone.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to find out more about how we can assist you:
Disability Resource Center of Panama City
Phone: (850) 769-6890
Email: outreach@drcpc.org
Address: 300 West 5th Street, Panama City, Florida 32401
Join us in our journey towards promoting independence, inclusion, and empowerment for all individuals with disabilities in the Florida panhandle.