Tip: Access Pass: A Free Pass for People with Disabilities (US)

 

Access Pass: A Free Pass for People with Disabilities

With spring coming, now is the time to get out and see some of nations parks. If the nicer weather wasn’t incentive enough… how about because it is free for those with disabilities?

The Access Pass is a special permit for people of any age who are medically determined to be blind or have other permanent disabilities. It offers the same benefits as the Senior Pass, but it is completely free. No processing fee is charged for the Access Pass.

Like the Senior Pass to national parks, the Access Pass cannot be purchased by mail or online. It must be obtained in person at a federal area where an entrance fee is charged. To qualify for the free Access Pass to national parks, you will need to provide one of the following: a statement from a licensed physician, a document issued by a Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, proof of Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income, or a document issued by a state agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency.

Click here for more information on the access pass.

The Access Pass admits pass owner/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass owner + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, where per-person fees are charged. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.) Note: Photo identification will be requested to verify pass ownership.

The Access Pass also provides the pass owner a discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees such as camping (see Access Pass Benefits section).

*Thank you to one of our butyoudontlooksick.com mesage board members for passing on this info!

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  • Tammie

    I wish I had known this sooner! I will use this!

  • Very interesting blog post thank you for sharing I have added your blog to my favorites and will be back.

  • Diane

    Thanks so much for this information! I live in the Grand Circle area of AZ, surrounded by Lake Powell, the Grand Canyon, Zion, Escalante Staircase, and many other national parks, but my family has been putting off getting a park pass because the price is pretty high and my husband is disabled, and I’m currently unemployed. I also have a cousin who lives here who is disabled, so this is something that will benefit both of our families.

    I’m also referring another cousin to your website, as she was recently diagnosed with Lupus. Her daughter has been disabled with severe epilepsy since she was an infant, and she has two other children with special needs. I’m sure she will find much of the information she will be needing to learn about Lupus, but also ways to cope with the needs of her children while still taking care of her own health.

    Your site has been a wonderful resource for me as well. I have been coping with severe fibromyalgia and chronic migraines for 34 years now, and your Spoon Theory has helped me to help family members and coworkers understand what living in my body is like. My husband didn’t get it for a long time, until he became disabled with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. When he was getting frustrated because he couldn’t do everything he used to, I gave him another copy of The Spoon Theory to read, and now he sees how chronic illness affects him as well as how it affects me. He’s learning how to budget his spoons, and has just finished his first year of college by taking online classes and learning the times of day he can concentrate best, and when he needs to rest. I’m really proud of him, and relieved that he finally understands what life for me is like.

    So thank you, dear Christine, for everything you do. You may never know just how many lives you have and will touch throughout your life, but I hope you can feel the love and gratitude that is sent your way every day.

    Bright Blessings,

    Diane

  • Melody Ream

    That is wonderful. It’s encouraging to hear that our nation is recognizing people with disabilities and giving them a break on the entry fees and discounts on other amenities. Many disabled live on a fixed income or a tight budget and are not able to afford such activities. Access Pass may give those families a chance to see other areas of beautiful America. Many thanks to the person who found this information and shared it with this group.

  • Carol

    On April 1st here in England seniors and the disabled received their free bus passes which they can use anywhere in England.
    This is great, now we can take the bus down south to the shore for nothing or go to historical cities.
    There are a few rules but they are acceptable.

  • Tallye Sparks

    I think this is fabulous!
    Also…what do I do if the Verification code doesn’t work?
    Thanks

  • thanks for sharing this information…