How to Get A Lifetime Disability Access Pass to National Parks (NPS) Free for Type 1 Diabetes — Olivia Bangert

There are a couple of perks to having a chronic condition like type 1 diabetes, such as cutting the lines at happiest place on earth with Disneyland’s Disability DAS pass (I wrote about here last 4th of July).

Another one is the ability to enjoy a free lifetime pass to the U.S. National Parks, called the Access Pass.

It’s July again after a dust devil of a year and this summer could be the perfect time to consider embarking on an adventure to one of the thousands of nature havens across the country.

The National Park Service (NPS) allows a free lifetime Disability Access Pass for people who are medically determined to have a permanent disability. The pass also includes all passengers traveling in the same car if that particular park’s fee is per vehicle, or up to three additional adults when the fee is charged per person. There are discounts on expanded amenities such as camping as well.

I stumbled upon this when visiting my sister back east and we took a trip to Maine’s prized Acadia National Park, one of the locations where you can obtain the lifetime pass. Here is a list of all locations where you can obtain one in person.

Researching how to obtain the pass might make you feel like it’s more of a process than it really was for me. While it’s possible to get the pass online with documentation of your type 1 diabetes and a small processing fee it is much simpler to do it in person.

Once you determine the park location to obtain your pass, simply show up! The official requirement applicable for type 1 diabetes is that you need to have a statement signed by a physician confirming you have a permanent physical disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities and stating the nature of the condition.

I was hesitant about asking for the pass at first because I didn’t plan far enough in advance to have a statement signed by my doctor. However, I thought to myself, I have my diagnosis in my electronic medical record on my health app and why not take a shot? If they need something more from my doctor then at least I’ll know.

The line to get into the gift shop was longer than the line to get a pass. It was the same line as others who are interested in getting an annual pass.

Other benefits of going in person: you do not need to fill out an application when you apply in person, there is no mail fee to apply in person, and in my experience, they didn’t ask for any official documentation (in addition to not waiting to get it in the mail). All you need is your ID (drivers license) or other government identification.

I was in a major National Park; if you are planning to get it at a smaller location listed on the site, contact the park ahead of time and make sure they have passes. The bigger the location the better as they likely have a more streamlined experience issuing passes and will be more prepared to help you.

Although the requirement is that you have a statement by your doctor as to the nature of your disability, my experience with the National Parks Pass and the Disneyland DAS Disability pass is, the officials don’t ask questions about your disability. I’m not sure if that’s partly due to uncertainty about health protection laws and what they can ask, or upsetting people/families with disabilities, or they simply do not feel a strong need to question it—especially when you approach them with knowledge and confidence. For whatever reason it’s not as big of a deal as what you might think. I suggest you go for it!

In terms of how much money you save, here is a list of national parks that charge a fee and how much. The lifetime pass for all parks is $80 as of this year and an individual park can cost up to $35 per vehicle (or $20 per person) for peak parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion, Grand Tetons and others.

There are not many perks to having type 1 diabetes but if this is one that will edge you into enjoying the healing benefits of nature, consider this your push.

Next up I’m going to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. After visiting Big Trees State Park a few weeks ago I’m in awe of the giant Sequoias—prehistoric wonders that lived when dinosaurs roamed the planet—I thought I knew big trees growing up around California’s Redwoods, but these are next level.

What National Park do you want to visit next?

How to Get A Lifetime Disability Access Pass to the National Parks (NPS) Free for Type 1 Diabetes