Traveling to national parks, whether it’s an epic cross-country trip or just outside of your town, is a favorite past time of many families. The beautiful scenery, leisure outdoor time, and fun activities inspire the trek and can create many fond memories. Despite the allure of these beautiful, recreational parks, the entrance fees may be an obstacle for some families. Thankfully, people with disabilities like Prader-Willi syndrome, can receive an America the Beautiful Access Pass for free!
“Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. A pass covers entrance and standard amenity fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas or up to four adults at sites that charge per person. Children age 15 or under are admitted free.” America The Beautiful Pass Series – Antietam National Battlefield (U.S. National Park Service)
These passes are available for US citizens or permanent residents who have a permanent disability that affects their ability to participate in a major life activity. While this description may seem open to interpretation, the parks do require documentation to receive the pass. A valid ID, along with a statement by a physician describing the disability and limitation, a federal document like Social Security Disability Income, or a state agency issued document is required.
Passes are not available at all national parks, but you can find a park at Places to Get Interagency Passes to get your pass in person. You can also order online to get your pass in the mail at Interagency Access Passes are available online.
If you and your family are planning a trip to a national park, check to make sure the park accepts the Access Pass before including the pass into your budget plans. Please note that with the recent federal government hiring freeze, many parks may be understaffed. While the scenic views and wildlife will still be there, people who keep campsites and parks maintained and clean may not be. National Parks Conservation Society
Being outside in a beautiful place, away from the noise of civilization, is a fantastic way to unwind, reconnect with your family, get fresh air and exercise, and spend some relaxing days together. Check out the resource below to learn more about getting the free America the Beautiful Access Pass for your loved one and family.
Perry A. Zirkel has written more than 1,500 publications on various aspects of school law, with an emphasis on legal issues in special education. He writes a regular column for NAESP’s Principal magazine and NASP’s Communiqué newsletter, and he did so previously for Phi Delta Kappan and Teaching Exceptional Children.
Jennifer Bolander has been serving as a Special Education Specialist for PWSA (USA) since October of 2015. She is a graduate of John Carroll University and lives in Ohio with her husband Brad and daughters Kate (17), and Sophia (13) who was born with PWS.
Dr. Amy McTighe is the PWS Program Manager and Inpatient Teacher at the Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. She graduated from Duquesne University receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education with a focus on elementary education, special education, and language arts.
Evan has worked with the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) since 2007 primarily as a Crisis Intervention and Family Support Counselor. Evans works with parents and schools to foster strong collaborative relationships and appropriate educational environments for students with PWS.
Staci Zimmerman works for Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Colorado as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) consultant. Staci collaborates with the PWS multi-disciplinary clinic at the Children’s Hospital in Denver supporting families and school districts around the United States with their child’s Individual Educational Plan.
Founded in 2001, SDLC is a non-profit legal services organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the legal rights of people with disabilities throughout the South. It partners with the Southern Poverty Law Center, Protection and Advocacy (P&A) programs, Legal Services Corporations (LSC) and disability organizations on major, systemic disability rights issues involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the federal Medicaid Act. Recently in November 2014, Jim retired.