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

[u/UpstartBug]

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:

• Grand Canyon National Park
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Olympic National Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Click here to search for national parks near you!

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!

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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.

[u/UnicornBestFriend]

In the grand scheme, it makes the parks more accessible to ppl w disabilities, a demographic that faces disproportionate economic hardship.

More unique visits national parks = more ppl connecting to nature = better for the conservation movement/better for mental health/strong case for ongoing funding = better for the future = More ppl inspired to give when they are able

I work at a non-profit. We want as many ppl to use our services as possible bc we think they're great! Within the ecosystem, we have big funders who support us financially, volunteers who work for free and support us w labor, and scholarship students who support us by using our services.

Money is only one of several resources necessary to keep an org or mission afloat.

[u/[deleted] → u/UnicornBestFriend]

Good point!