Transcript below
Transcript:
Hello. My trip to Yosemite is almost over and done. I wanted to let you know about an interesting fact. When you enter any National Park there is an entry fee. Yes, it’s true, and you must have a Park Pass that you show the ranger when you enter the park.
My husband was ready to buy us a Family Pass that would cost $80 for one year. That pass would allow you to enter any National Park throughout the United States. Well, we drove up to the park entrance where the ranger station was and my husband began talking to the ranger about the pass. But, I interrupted using sign language and asked if being Deaf would get us a discount.
The woman ranger looked at me. My voice was off while signing. She looked at me more and said, “Oh, are you deaf?”
I answered, “Yes.”
She asked, “Is your disability permanent?”
I smiled and nodded, “Yes. It’s permanent. It won’t get better. I won’t hear again. No, it’s permanent.”
She responded, “No problem,” and then she gave me a FREE National Park Pass for LIFE!! Yes, for Life! Not one or two years, but for Life! That means I can now enter any National Park anywhere in the United States, and enter FREE. In addition, the people traveling in my car with me are also FREE. How cool is that?!
If you don’t know this already, go to any national park office and get your free park pass. It’s so cool! This means that being Deaf has its perks!
Bye! (ILY wave)
Don’t forget, National Parks (Golden Passport) is good for National Parks only.
You need another one for California State Parks. They are also free, too.
The National Park passport is not accepted in the State Parks.
The benefit ALSO applies to camping!
Lucky
Left by Lucky on July 15th, 2008
yes yes I have one for years. you can get 50 percent off on federal campground fee as well. neat deal isnt it? it is not difficult to get the card.
Left by h on July 15th, 2008
yes. it s nice to have free pass that you can go anywhere in state park
same here in MD and VA 
Left by John on July 15th, 2008
Hey, LaRonda….
LOL, it’s awesome to get some freebies at any park of your choice.
I do get the free lake passes and beach sticker ever year from my town hall. That are for disabled people only. Senior citizens, I think, pay in very small amount. But in the past, that used to be free but not anymore for some reason. In order to get those free passes and stickers, we have to register with D.S.S. (Disabled Social Service) to show the proof of our permanent disabilities and show the proof of our residence as well. The kids under 16 are free however when they reach 17, they have to pay which I find it ridiculous. They almost made me pay for my son’s lake pass because he’s not deaf nor disabled. I told them in the past we never had the problems until now. They went into the computer to figure out and decided to fix it anyway for me. The beach sticker goes on the car’s window.
Back in ’70’s, when we went to the movies and would get the discount on the tickets or sometimes free of charge because there were no subtitles nor closed caption. Now, not anymore, they wouldn’t discount the tickets even though some certain movies don’t show the subtitles nor CC. Oh well…..we enjoyed while we were at it.
Misha
Left by Misha on July 15th, 2008
state park policy varies by states. some wont accept Golden or other state card at all. you may have to apply for a disabled card thru state agency. many require residency for it. however, it wont hurt to ask about it when you enter state/county/city park.
Left by h on July 15th, 2008
LaRonda,
I am sorry I didn’t get a chance to meet you. Did you know I was here? For everyone’s information,
My name is Kara Stella. I am Yosemite’s ASL interpreter.
Yosemite has provided a Deaf Services Coordinator for 29 years. I can interpret any program in the park or even give a program in sign for you. All the park movies are captioned, by request.
To contact Yosemite’s interpreter, call 209-372-4726 tty, 209-472-0296 voice or email Mary_Kline@nps.gov. See you in the park!
Left by Kara Stella on July 15th, 2008
Hey, I thought you were supposed to have collected SSI or SSDI to qualify for that. That was what I had to prove to get the pass. Did you have to provide evidence for that, or your SSN?
Left by moebius on July 15th, 2008
That’s a great offer, esp. for active outdoor treckers. I understand it though, I mean who else is going to visit these parks? lol Its hot, and there are always fires in CA so I can understand why some people would want to stay away from those parks (myself included) - bugs and hot, hot heat, putting on the unscented off-spray…no thanks lol. However, nighttime under the stars is def. my kind of thing, so I would do that, just not doing the day.
If only I lived near Yosemite, I would go sometime but sadly I live in a state run by fasists called Connecticut a.k.a. the home invasion state.
-berto
Left by Roberto on July 15th, 2008
New York State offers a discount toward state park passes which is way cheaper than the normal pass prices. I believe you have to get a new one each year. Just need proof a hearing test.
Kara above reminded me that several parks offer interpreter services but they need to be requested ahead of time like in the PA Gettyburgs Battle Trail.
Kara.. Thanks for the information that Yosemite has tours!
I would suggest before you make your trip, google and see if they have tours. Most have an email contact or phone number so contact and ask if they do ASL tours.
Left by Hershey on July 16th, 2008
We do the same in Utah
Left by Deb Ann on July 16th, 2008