UOAA Discussion Board

Had anyone tried to get a lifetime National Park Access pass? I'm guessing that ostomates could qualify. Not sure.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/accessibil ... s-pass.htm

I got one a few years ago by filling out a form at a park. Questions were mostly about mobility. Things may have changed.
I don't think an ostomy qualifies as a disability, I have other problems.

I got the pass a few years ago, but didn't ask for anything other than an ordinary pass. I don't think of my ostomy as a disability. An alteration and occasional inconvenience, yes. But since I ski, sail, run, teach fitness classes .... Does anyone know the answer if an ostomy alone is considered a disability? (and yes, I could go Google it!)

I agree. I am more active with the ostomy then before for sure. I think it might qualify and if there is a chance of getting a lifetime national park pass for free, I'm all in.

I GOOGLED. Under ADA an ostomy can be considered a disability. Who knew?! I can see it as a potential issue at work for some. Never was for me but then I never told anyone at work. You can't tell by looking at someone usually. So I learned something!
https://www.ostomy.org/wp-content/uploa ... Update.pdf

I sort of recalled an ostomy is considered a disability. But as usual I agree with NEskier and I never told anyone at work. Even when I once had to take off some time because of a surgical revision - I had the doctor write my absence note in a way that said nothing....lol....

By definition, an ostomy is a disability. I don't know what the "rules" are, but I look at disability passes for things like parks as something for folks with mobility impairments. My ostomy doesn't limit my ability to go into a park or hike a trail or go to work. I think passes for things like National Parks are for folks that require the use of a wheelchair or other ambulation devices whether they be permanent or temporary. That's just my two cents....

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/accessibil ... s-pass.htm says,
Pass may be issued to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of any age that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) that severely limits one or more major life activities. Applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability and residency or citizenship.

Since I already have a placard due to bad leg, I was able to get a free lifetime park pass. If you show them a placard at the gate, its an easy process. If you dont have one, from what I've read about, you should still qualify, might just take more explaining to the rangers.