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BLM educates families on benefits of the Access Pass

Oct 30, 2024

BLM Idaho Boise District staff distributed America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Access Passes during a recent Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind (IESDB) outreach event.

April Nelson, Consulting Teacher for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, invited the BLM staff out to explain the Access Pass to Idaho families who have one or more deaf/hard of hearing and/or blind low vision children living in their homes.

The Access Pass is a free lifetime ticket to more than 2000 national parks and federal recreation lands. Citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. who have a permanent disability are eligible to receive the pass, which admits the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a private vehicle entry. The pass is free and provides an annual savings of $80.

Smiling student, dressed in white and blue, proudly displays her newly acquired Access Pass, which she is holding up. She loves being outdoors and wants to see animals. — Student proudly displays her newly acquired Access Pass. She loves being outdoors and wants to see animals.

The Access Pass is such a great gain for us as individuals who are deaf/hard of hearing, and I personally have used my Access Pass numerous times to get into several of our great national parks. It’s so wonderful to be able to explore our beautiful countryside.

- Nelson, who helped with making sure children with sensory loss got connected with BLM employees, for education regarding the Access Pass and to be sure to get their own card.

Student leaning over table signing Access Pass at outreach event. BLM employee on other side of table. — Deleah Davis, BLM Boise district administrative support assistant, explains benefits as students sign Access Passes at the outreach event.

We distributed 98 Access Passes. So many families and individuals will be that much closer to visiting those wonderful parks and using the benefits provided.

- Deleah Davis, BLM Boise district administrative support assistant who spoke with and educated students, families and parents who attended the IESDB event.

Several parents said they were unfamiliar with the Access Pass, unaware of the fee free entry benefit, and looking forward to taking the kids to discover public lands with their new pass.

Delilah Schweigert, who had just received her pass, expressed gratitude to the BLM staff and her love of the outdoors. She and her family will be heading out soon to use the pass.

For more information on the Access Pass visit BLM Accessible Recreation Opportunities.

Story by:

Jennifer Hayes, Public Affairs Specialist

Blog Topic:

Youth and Educators

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