What is the Access Pass?

/

What is the Access Pass?

For those of you who love the outdoors and love to road trip with family this is very cool!  The Access Pass is a free lifetime pass to over 2000 federally owned parks in the USA. For parks that charge admission per vehicle, everyone who is in the vehicle with the Access Pass holder is admitted for free (for individual tours and campsites, there may be discounts, but fees still have to be paid).

This includes sites operated by:

  • The National Park Service (includes all National Parks, National Monuments, National Historic Sites and more)
  • USDA Forest Service
  • Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Bureau of Reclamation
  • Bureau of Land Management

How to Get an Access Pass

  • Visit any federal recreation site that charges a fee. Look at this .pdf list of federal recreation sites where Access Passes should be available, listed by state. Be sure to bring your ID that proves you are a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident, and documentation from a licensed physician, a Federal agency, or a State agency, that shows you have a permanent disability (autism). The pass is free and there are no processing fees. To be safe, call ahead of time to make sure they have passes available.  Note that showing a State motor vehicle department disability sticker or a hang tag is not acceptable proof of a permanent disability.

OR

  • Apply through the Mail. Complete this application form for the Access Pass and mail it along with photocopy proof that you are a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident, and documentation of your disability. Note that applying through the mail will cost you a $10 processing fee.

Additional Perks of an Access Pass

On top of granting free entry, some sites also offer Access Pass holders a discount on expanded fees, such as camping, swimming, boat launching and guided tours.

Want more information? Visit the Access Pass FAQ page.

For more information on autism go to http://www.brightfuturesaei.com/, drop me a note or call to schedule a free consultation.

Here's to Bright Futures for all children!

Zoe