Staff from Fort Larned and Fort Scott national historic sites will be at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, handing out the America the Beautiful Access pass to qualifying disabled veterans.

The pass is free to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have been medically determined to have a permanent disability and allows access to more than 2000 federal recreation sites. A permanent disability is a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. The disability requirements are not based on a percentage of disability. To qualify for the Pass the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities.

Qualified applicants for the pass must provide documentation of permanent disability and residency or citizenship. Acceptable proof of permanent disability includes:

• A statement by a licensed physician

• A document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income, or Supplemental Security Income. These would include a VA Summary of Benefits, or Award Letter, or an SSDI Notice of Award letter.

• A document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency

Acceptable proof of U.S. residency includes a valid driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card (green card).

The Access Pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees at national forests and grasslands, and at lands and waters managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and day use fees at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A pass covers entrance and standard amenity fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas (or up to 4 adults at sites that charge per person). Children age 15 and under are admitted free. The pass may also provide a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. The pass generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

“July is the month when we think about the start of our country and reflect on the debt we owe veterans of our Armed Forces who ensure our freedom. Making it easy for disabled veterans to get the access pass is one way we at Fort Larned can honor our veterans and give something back for the sacrifices they’ve made for our country.” said Fort Larned superintendent Betty Boyko.

For more information about the pass and the proper documentation to bring if you qualify, visit the America the Beautiful Pass program page on the NPS website www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm.