WILDERNESS THERAPY: THE POWER OF THE ACCESS PASS

by Gavi Piper

In April of this year I was diagnosed with ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I’d lived 25 years clueless that my “normal” was so much harder than it had to be. My mental health suffered. My interpersonal relationships suffered. Eventually, I triggered into crisis.

Thanks to incredible providers and medication, it’s impossible to describe how much better I’m doing now. Sure, my perpetually lost stethoscope is a running joke at work. But I’m less reactive. Less stuck perseverating. Happier. More confident. Present in the now. Last weekend, I realized how much more calmly I navigate scary trad leads and unplanned sufferfests. How my new baseline better facilitates communication, problem solving, mutual trust and appreciation. Throughout the entire mentally and physically exhausting process, the wilderness has remained my steadfast refuge. I’ve done my seeking, my crying, my fighting and my healing in the mountains. Because of that, one shining silver lining to my diagnoses has been obtaining an Access Pass.

The America the Beautiful Access Pass provides admittance to National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands for U.S. citizens and residents with permanent disabilities. It also provides discounts on some amenity fees.

The Access Pass is free. It is good for life. There is no age requirement (kids are eligible). Disabilities do not have to be physical, visible, nor “100 percent.”

The pass can be obtained in person, online, or through the mail. It requires a valid government ID and documentation of permanent disability. My physician’s note is simple: “In my medical opinion, Gavi is eligible for an Interagency Access Pass. She has a permanent disability that limits her communication and sensory processing.”

Unfortunately, the Access Pass is woefully underpromoted. In my experience, very few healthcare professionals— including the practitioners writing physician’s statements—know it exists. After years in the wilderness industry, I first heard about the pass from my non- outdoorsy best friend who is diabetic. When I lose my pass, I replace it at the next Forest Service Ranger Station I come across. Often, someone working behind the desk learns about it for the first time.

If awareness among professionals in positions to facilitate obtaining an Access Pass is so low, what proportion of the eligible population lacks knowledge that this benefit exists?

Disability to any degree is a resource black hole. I hold no illusions regarding my personal privilege, health literacy, or relative comfort in the backcountry. But for so many people, an Access Pass may truly make the difference that enables access to a wilderness area—and opportunity to experience the myriad of benefits we in the Mazamas know and love.

Maybe this applies to you. I guarantee it applies to someone you know. So spread the word. Get yourself, your loved ones, and your friends’ loved ones into the wilderness. And maybe hitch a ride with them, because any one person’s Access Pass covers entrance for the entire (recreational) vehicle.

Full Access Pass details are available at store.usgs.gov/access-pass.