Free Lifetime Access Pass for the Disabled to National Parks

If you or someone you know are permanently disabled, you can get a free, lifetime Access Pass pass through the America The Beautiful pass program. They are $80 per year to purchase, or $10 per year for seniors 62+.

America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html


"America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Access Pass (free)
http://store.usgs.gov/pass/access.html


This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by a Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free)."

It covers free entrance to parks, and discounts on campsites, guided tours, swimming and boat launching, transportation systems, concessionaire fees and special use permit fees.

"The pass program is managed by five Federal agencies that operate under different regulations and have different fees. Therefore, the discount program for the Access Pass is not handled in the same way on all Federal recreation lands."

Per above, you should inquire locally to find out the specific discounts at the places you want to visit.

"Where can I get an Access Pass?

You can obtain an Access Pass in person, with proper documentation, from a participating Federal recreation site or office. See Site Locations that issue the Access Pass.

Access Passes may also be obtained via mail order from USGS. Mail-order applicants for the Access Pass must submit a completed application, proof of residency and documentation of permanent disability, and pay the document processing fee of $10 to obtain a pass through the mail. Once the application package is received, the documentation will be verified and a pass, with the pass owner's name pre-printed on it, will be issued to the applicant. Documentation of permanent disability will also be returned to the applicant."

"Where can I use my Access Pass?
Please contact a site directly if you have a question about pass acceptance and fees.

The Forest Service, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation honor the Access Pass at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees are charged.


◦Bureau of Land Management http://www.blm.gov
◦Bureau of Reclamation http://www.usbr.gov
◦Fish and Wildlife Service http://www.fws.gov
◦USDA Forest Service http://www.fs.fed.us
◦National Park Service http://www.nps.gov

In addition, the Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Authority may honor the Access Pass for entrance or camping discounts."

Overview of the Access Pass, and site locations for acquiring the pass:

http://store.usgs.gov/pass/access.html