Hello and welcome to Yosemite National Park.  I’m ranger Rye Zemelsky.  I’m the Deaf Services Coordinator for Yosemite.  I want to take this opportunity to let you know what the Deaf Services Program means for you, the members of the Deaf community.

1.) Your entrance fee is waived, due to a program in the National Parks for people with disabilities.  You fill out the proper paperwork and the park will give you an Access Pass.  The pass is good for free entrance into all of the National Parks.

2.) When you arrive, you will be amazed at all the information included in the park newspaper.  It is full of information, as well as listings of lectures, hikes, and educational opportunities.  If you would like to attend one of these offerings, but need an interpreter, we have one available.  I am a certified interpreter ready to serve you.  Just let me know your schedule and I will meet you to interpret the program of your choice.

3.) If you have a question you’d like to ask at the visitor center, but you don’t want to hassle with communicating in writing with the visitor center staff, I am available for you.  I can meet you at the visitor center and assist you in American Sign Language.

4.) We have a variety of accessibility equipment available.

1. There are public use TTYs throughout the park. 


2. We will soon be installing a public videophone; check the website for an announcement.


3. Texting does work within the park, although only ATT and Verizon get a good signal.


4. Park hotels have a Deaf Kit for hotel guests, which includes at tty, alarm bed shaker, and a fire alarm light flasher.

The Deaf Services Program has been running for an incredible 30 years with this wide array of services to offer the Deaf community.  Please contact me and let me know if you need assistance planning your trip, if you need an interpreter, or you have any questions - I’ll be happy to help you.  I look forward to seeing you here in Yosemite National Park!  Thank you!