Young woman touching fox fur at NPS/Special Olympics event.
T. Fondriest
Note: Parks might have alerts on current park conditions whenever weather or other factors (e.g., construction) has altered accessibility.
Visitors to parks who have an intellectual disability, or who are traveling with party members who have an intellectual disability, may find parks to present the following information.
Programs and Tours
Contact our Parks if you have specific accommodation requests regarding your visit and a specific program or tour. Also check our events calendar for current programs.
Trails and Outdoor Exhibits/Waysides
Parks may provide the following information for their trails and access to their waysides:
Safety concerns visitors should keep in mind. For example, if wildlife might be encountered on a given trail and suggestions for how to act appropriately.
Reading level of text on waysides, trailheads, etc..
Some Parks may have a variety of sensory friendly items (e.g. noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, ear plugs etc.)
Alternate formats of printed materials are available? (e.g., large print, braille, digital, audio description, etc).
Updated conditions of trails and waysides if weather or constructions has altered accessibility.
Visitor Centers
The following information may be available about all park visitor centers (and other facilities, like restaurants):
General description of exhibits, films, and other multi-sensory experience, such as tactile, audio programs, olfactory experience that the visitor center might have.
Reading levels of text in exhibits, brochures, on bulletin boards or waysides.
Updated informaton regarding loud noises or visual stimulus (regularly or due to construction) that might be startling.
Recommend quiet places, away from crowds, that may be available.
Campgrounds
The following information may be available about all park campgrounds. Note that not all national parks have campgrounds.
Site Accessibility: general information about how many individual, group and accessible sites. If these sites have electricity hook-ups. Where the restrooms are located adjacent to the sites.
Information and Updates: Where current condition information or announcements can be obtained.
Whether visitors should prepare for visual notifications or alarms that might be startling or distressing (e.g., if a tornado siren is tested every Wednesday at 10 am).
When campground registration is staffed, in case of questions or if additional help is needed.
Restrooms/showers: General idea of how many restrooms and showers (if available) throughout the campground are accessible.
Amphitheater: Surface and slope of the path to and from. If there is designated accessible seating and where. What kind of alternative formats might be available.
What methods are available to book a campsite; phone, in- person, or online.
Concession Facilities
Concessioners fill a vital role with helping the National Park Service (NPS) carry out its mission. Private companies work with the NPS to offer services to park visitors that parks do not provide directly. Concessioners offer a variety of activities and services in our National Parks from parking facilities and lodging to retail, rental and guide services.
