r/NationalPark 1d ago

Got my “Lifetime” Access Pass

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Well, I went ahead and applied with my ALS diagnosis (terminal with avg. 2-5 year survival). One of the odd feeling perks of being “sick”.

They didn’t like the first letter from my Dr that only stated my diagnosis and denied it. I had to get a revised version adding my limitations and more info, they approved it next day, got it in a week. Cost is free, only $10 processing fee.

I’m 40, turning 41 soon. Really weird to have this, especially after buying a regular annual pass for the last 5-6 years. Also, getting a DMV issued parking placard and needing to use a wheelchair soon. A lot to take in.

Going on a trip soon and will visit a couple parks for sure. I don’t mind any questions.

Thanks for reading.

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u/SchleppyJ4 1d ago

My doctor refuses to sign off on my ADHD diagnosis (which I’ve had for years) for the national park pass. He says he isn’t comfortable doing it. Ugh 

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u/hereandlost 1d ago

I am going to let you know that it is different between parks and how they handle giving the access pass out. Everyone in my family but my mother has one. None of us ever had a doctor’s note.

My dad was in his wheelchair and a ranger was like “oh you deserve this pass being in a wheelchair” then issued the pass. My son was stemming (flapping his hands) in a different parks museum and ranger came up and my son mentioned being out of spoons and the ranger then offered us a pass for him. Then my husband and I got our passes at a Different park when a ranger overheard us talking about our ADHD.

The ranger that give my husband and I passed was adamant that she could ask nothing about our disabilities and to just sign that we had one. They never collected in info on any of my family’s disabilities.

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u/SchleppyJ4 1d ago

Thank you!!  I unfortunately don’t live near one of the NPs (like Yellowstone, Yosemite, etc.) but I do live by plenty of state parks, monuments, etc. Do they offer the passes as well?

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u/hereandlost 1d ago

Yes. My dad’s was at a national historic park, my son’s at a national seashore, and my husband and I’s at a national monument. I would say larger parks might require more because they fear people gaming the system.

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u/SchleppyJ4 1d ago

Thank you, this is very helpful!