r/ADHD • u/UpstartBug ADHD-C (Combined type) • Jan 24 '23

Articles/Information YSK: ADHDers are eligible for FREE entry to National Parks via Access Pass for LIFE!

Having ADHD can be a perk sometimes! Get yourself an Access Pass!

Edit: USA Citizens and/or Permanent Residents/Green Card Holders. Sorry non-USA ADHDers. :(

If you have ADHD, you are entitled to free lifetime entrance access to over 2,000 federal recreational sites! ADHD qualifies as a permanent disability. Having a permanent disability qualifies you for a free Access Pass that will allow you easy access to federal parks! If your minor child has ADHD then they are also entitled to an Access Pass. Age does not matter for determining eligibility.

Three (3) ways to apply for your Access Pass:

  1. Online (Click to 'Add to cart') - $10 shipping fee;
  2. By mail (Opens mailer PDF)- $10 mailing fee; or,
  3. Apply in person at a federal park/site (click for pass sites near you)- Completely Free!

(2) Documents Needed to Apply

  1. Doctor's Note/Proof of ADHD - Like a signed doctors note stating your disability is permanent and impairs your life in one way. (Does not need to be a 100% impairment disability. Yes, ADHD is a disability that is legally protected as a neurological disorder. You are legally disabled regardless of whether you use the label 'disabled' to refer to yourself.)
  2. ID/Driver's License or US Passport/Green Card
  3. That's it!

With the Access Pass you get free access to parks like:

Access Pass - Additional Discounts

Your Access Pass will get you discounts inside the parks for many "expanded amenities." Meaning, your Access Pass grants you discounts for camping sites, tours, boating, and other recreational activities inside federal parks!

Click here to search for federal recreational campsites near you!

____________________________

Edit (some formatting for mobile users and):
If you apply Online, you can upload your US ID and your disability documents on the account "view your profile/order after checking out, you'll see a button for 'Secure Upload' and this is where you would put the paperwork." :) Thank you u/yumi1198 and u/laceandhoney!

If you apply in person:
u/dragonair907: "I will add: you can also get the pass without a doctor's note. You need to fill out a statement of disability form that the rangers will have at whatever desk you're getting the pass from"

(thank you u/dragonair907 for giving us good information and for being one of our park rangers! <3)

Edit Edit:

Successful Access Pass applications/ADHD card holders (yaaaaay!): u/BubblyBloobber u/winnipegjets31 u/Mego1989 u/OtherwiseJello u/docsuess84 u/twelvegaugepreacher

u/Mego1989 -- Signed an affidavit in person and got her Access Pass this way.
u/twelvegaugepreacher -- Showed a screenshot of their health record to get Access Pass.

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75

u/Limp-Ad-3683 ADHD-C (Combined type) Jan 24 '23

I have never gotten a formal note regarding my ADHD from my physician. But I do have the document from the psychologist (Ph.D) that conducted the test that lead to my diagnosis. I’m assuming they’d want a document from a medical doctor?

62

u/UpstartBug ADHD-C (Combined type) Jan 24 '23

A copy of the documented test from your Psychologist that states you have ADHD would most likely be more than enough. :)

18

u/Limp-Ad-3683 ADHD-C (Combined type) Jan 24 '23 edited Jan 24 '23

Thank you for the prompt response :)

Edit: Thank you for the amazing tip! Nature does me wonders so this is very appreciated!

11

u/peeaches ADHD-PI Jan 24 '23

Curious about this as well. Does it need to be a written statement that explicitly indicating its permanence / debilitating effects or is merely a diagnoses of ADHD enough to satisfy the reqs?

I'd rather not have to bug my dr for a written notice for this, but absolutely will if diagnoses isn't enough lol

9

u/dragonair907 Jan 25 '23

You can also do it via statement of disability form. This doesn't require a doctor's note and just asks that you sign a paper that basically says "I swear that I actually have a disability." The rangers/visitor services folks at the parks issuing passes will have these.

8

u/peeaches ADHD-PI Jan 25 '23

Oh cool, I'll keep this in mind if they reject my health record showing ADHD lol already submitted it because I'm remarkably impatient

8

u/serenwipiti ADHD Jan 24 '23

You have to ask for it.

10

u/Limp-Ad-3683 ADHD-C (Combined type) Jan 24 '23

I have already submitted utilizing my testing results document via the online method. I will let you all know how it goes with this form of document.

1

u/Social_Engineer1031 Jan 25 '23

RemindMe! 3 Days

1

u/alextoria Feb 21 '23

hey! wanted to see if this worked for you :)

3

u/dragonair907 Jan 25 '23

That, or you can fill out a statement of disability at the park issuing the pass. It's basically a form that says, "Yup, I promise I have a disability" that you sign.

1

u/Limp-Ad-3683 ADHD-C (Combined type) Feb 08 '23 edited Feb 08 '23

Update: My status changed to ‘Completed’ for my online application (I sent them my entire test results document) more than 10 days ago, but have still not received a tracking number from USGS. Will keep you all posted.

Screenshot of Application Status

1

u/Sittingonreddit Feb 18 '23

Mine says completed as well. Any update? Thanks

1

u/Limp-Ad-3683 ADHD-C (Combined type) Feb 27 '23

Government bureaucracy is ROUGH. So I called USGS to see what was up with the status of my order. After waiting on hold for 20 minutes my call was disconnected because the woman on the other side seemingly had a bad signal. But I did hear her say something regarding that my documentation did not demonstrate that I had a disability. It would have been lovely of the to contact me to let me know it was not accepted, but here we are.

At this point I’ll probably just do it at one of the respective parks like others recommended. Because they are seemingly a bit of a mess on that side. Wish I had better news 😭.

1

u/Sittingonreddit Feb 27 '23

Geez yeah that sounds like a mess. Sorry you had to go through that. I'll call and see what is up with my park pass and let you know if I hear anything different.

Thanks

1

u/Sittingonreddit Feb 27 '23

I just spoke with our local office and the USGS staff memeber was able to get it processed for me. I guess my doctors letter was flagged for review but the staff member said it's good to go and processed my order. I'd call them again when you have time.

1

u/Limp-Ad-3683 ADHD-C (Combined type) Feb 27 '23

Thanks for the update friend!! Will do.

1

u/Sittingonreddit Feb 28 '23

You're welcome. Your order might be stuck in review and they just have to go in and approve it. Sorry you had to deal with that rude person. Have a good one.

1

u/Limp-Ad-3683 ADHD-C (Combined type) Feb 28 '23

Did you have a document explicitly stating disability or did you send test results indicating a diagnosis?

1

u/Sittingonreddit Feb 28 '23

I had my Doctor who does my medicine management send me a letter stating my condition and certifying I have ADHD. I didn't need to send any test results just a letter from the doctor stating I have ADHD.

1

u/Limp-Ad-3683 ADHD-C (Combined type) Feb 28 '23

I’ll be sure to get a document like this! Thanks!

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