Access to State Parks

[Guest guest]

A while back I remember seeing a email that had information on it

regarding entrance to all state parks for families with developmentally

challenged children, that it was free. I have tried to find that email

and tried to search online and cant find anything about it. Does

anyone else know where I can find this information, I am wanting to put

it in our monthly newsletter. Thanks!

Turlo

President of LADSO

[Guest guest]

My family takes a big camping trip every year to one of the national parks. This year it was to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. It was gorgeous!

This is the first year we have taken advantage of the Golden Access Passport. Here is the link.

http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm

Our family was able to enter the parks for free (as long as my daughter with DS was in our car). The people were so nice. Every time we entered the parks, we rolled down the window so a (9 yo with DS) could wave and show her card. I highly recommend it to anyone who visits the national parks.

Here is what the site says:

Golden Access PassportThe Golden Access Passport is a free, lifetime admission pass issued to U.S. citizens or persons who permanently reside (are domiciled) in the United States, regardless of age, and who have a medical determination and documentation of blindness or permanent disability. The pass is valid at National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and Tennessee Valley Authority sites with admission fees.

The Golden Access Passport admits the pass owner and accompanying passengers in a private vehicle*. At parks that charge individual fees, the pass admits the pass owner, spouse, parents, and children. At parks that charge individual fees, the pass admits the pass owner, spouse, parents, and children. The pass also entitles other persons accompanying the owner, such as a care assistant.

The Golden Access Passport also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass owner will be given the 50% price reduction. The Passport is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.

Golden Access Passports may be obtained only in person and upon proof of eligibility.

Both the Golden Age Passport and Golden Access Passport can only be obtained in person at a federal area (National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and Tennessee Valley Authority sites).

If your National Parks Pass, Golden Eagle, Golden Age, or Golden Access passport is lost or stolen there is no mechanism for replacement. A new pass must be obtained.

You can use our "Visit Your Parks" geographic search portal to locate a National Park Service site near you. We suggest that you telephone your nearest National Park Service site to inquire about pass availability and what documentation you need to provide before traveling.

* A private vehicle is defined as any noncommercial vehicle that is being used for private recreational purposes.

Happy camping!

Janice Troy

Down Syndrome Association of San

Mother of (14), (12), a (9 with DS), and (7)

-----Original Message-----From: Down Syndrome Treatment [mailto:Down Syndrome Treatment ]On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 07, 2006 9:33 AMDown Syndrome Treatment Subject: Access to State Parks

A while back I remember seeing a email that had information on it regarding entrance to all state parks for families with developmentally challenged children, that it was free. I have tried to find that email and tried to search online and cant find anything about it. Does anyone else know where I can find this information, I am wanting to put it in our monthly newsletter. Thanks! TurloPresident of LADSO

[Guest guest]

-- Here is the info I received from a friend awhile back - it was in the

July DSANI newsletter. - DSANI/Fort Wayne

Golden Access Pass

Golden Access Pass Gives Families of Children with Permanent

Disabilities Free Access to U.S. Parks, Monuments, Historical sites,

Recreation Areas, and National Wildlife Refuges

The Federal Government offers citizens who are blind or permanently

disabled (deafness qualifies) a free pass to national parks, monuments,

historical sites, recreation areas and national wildlife refuges that charge

an entrance fee.

The Gold Access Passport is a lifetime entrance pass providing admission to

the pass holder and everyone in a private vehicle (if the park offers a

per vehicle entrance fee.) The passport also gives a 50% discount of fees

charge for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking,

boating and tours. It also works for sites managed by the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service the Bureau of Land Management, and

the Army Corps of Engineers.

The pass must be obtained in person with proof (such as an audiogram) of the

disability. The card is available at most national parks, federal

recreation areas and Army Corps campgrounds. For more information,

www.us-parks.com/golden_access_passport.html

=====================

From: <heather_turlo@...>

Date: 2006/08/07 Mon AM 09:32:34 CDT

Down Syndrome Treatment

Subject: Access to State Parks

A while back I remember seeing a email that had information on it

regarding entrance to all state parks for families with developmentally

challenged children, that it was free. I have tried to find that email

and tried to search online and cant find anything about it. Does

anyone else know where I can find this information, I am wanting to put

it in our monthly newsletter. Thanks!

Turlo

President of LADSO