Prairie Independent Living Resource Center (PILR) began operation on January 15, 1997. At that time, PILR was being mentored by Topeka Independent Living Resource Center (TILRC). The center became a separate entity June 16, 1998. In 1997, there were 6 full-time and 1 part-time staff. Currently, there are 16 full-time and 3 part-time staff. In addition, the center has numerous volunteers and provides services to consumers in various counties across the state.To better consumer needs PILR opened a satellite office in late 2006. In April 2001, PILR moved from its original building to a larger more accessible and prominent location to accommodate additional staff and a growing number
of consumers and services.

Prairie Independent Living Resource Center is a private, nonprofit, nonresidential, consumer-driven agency endeavoring to promote the full inclusion of people with disabilities into the community of their choice. PILR receives funding to provide services in Harvey, McPherson and Reno counties. In addition, PILR Staff also assist individuals in under-served areas including Marian, Kingman, Stafford, Rice, Pratt, Barber and Harper counties. Please view our map. These services include the five core services, which are Individual and Systems Advocacy, Information and Referral, Peer Support, Independent Living Skills Training and Deinstitutionalization. Additional services include Community Outreach, Community Education, Home and Community-Based Services, Technical Assistance, American Sign Language (ASL) classes and Braille Embossing. Community involvement is an important part of the Center's activities including active membership on a variety of local, county and state boards. Through PILR's consumer services and community activities, the Center is recognized as a vital community resource.

The core services and staff are funded with a continuation grant through the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. Several of PILR’s advocacy projects are funded with a grant from the Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas (SILCK). The center has received the SILCK grant every year since 1997. PILR became a Medicaid provider for the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers in 1998. In 2000 the center established a fee-for-service contract with Kansas Rehabilitation Services (KRS) to provide services such as Braille literacy, computer training, and independent living skills training to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. In June 2001 PILR was one of 34 non-profit organizations who received a grant from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. The $10,000 was used to purchase an accessible ADA computer workstation for consumers to use for advocacy and employment purposes. Because PILR is aware of the barriers to integrated competitive employment faced by job seekers with disabilities, a payment for performance contract was established in 2003 with KRS to provide highly individualized job development, placement, and follow-up services. Braille embossing and American Sign Language (ASL) classes are additional sources of revenue. Moreover, local businesses and individuals have contributed financial and in-kind support to projects and events sponsored by the center.