Denali National Park Ranger speaking with a visitor.
NPS Photo / Emily Mesner
Note: Parks may have alerts on current park conditions whenever weather or other factors (e.g., construction) has altered accessibility.
Visitors who are Deaf or have some degree of hearing loss may look to parks to present the following information:
Programs and Tours
What portable assistive listening devices available for ranger-led programs and how can they be acquired, if they are available. Also, if an advance notice is required.
Availability and process for reserving real-time captioning for live events in person or digitally.
What the process and length of time needed for reserving an American Sign Language Interpreter for in-person programs. Please note that many parks are quite remote, so the more advanced time you can give a park to prepare, the better.
Please check individual park websites for current program offerings or event calendars.
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, what should a person who is deaf or who has hearing loss know to be prepared and safe.
Visitor Centers
The following information may be available about park visitor centers
General parking information and any notable barriers or safety concerns (e.g., does the visitor need to traverse a busy parking lot to reach the facility?)
Exhibits and films: If there are audio and video exhibits, what alternate formats are available (e.g. open captioning, transcripts etc.)
What is the process and length of time needed for reserving an American Sign Language Interpreter for in-person programs. Please note that many parks are quite remote, so the more advanced time you can give a park to prepare, the better.
Campgrounds
The following information may be available about park campgrounds. Note that not all national parks have campgrounds.
Site Accessibility: General information about how many individual, group and accessible sites. Do sites have electricity hook-ups. Are the restrooms adjacent to the sites.
Information and Updates: Where current condition information or announcement information can be obtained.
When the 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: Where the designated accessible seating is. What kind of alternative formats are available. Suggested seating if using an ASL Interpreter.
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.
