About
My Name is Crystal McDaniel
Our Founder
Crystal McDaniel is the founder of ADA Paws Pass by Crystal, the reigning Mrs. Chattanooga America, and a lifelong champion for people with disabilities. A passionate advocate for invisible disabilities, Crystal knows firsthand what it means to navigate the world with challenges others can’t always see.
Her service dog, Big, is more than a loyal companion — he is a life-saving partner. Together, they work to educate the public about ADA rights, service dog etiquette, and the vital need for greater understanding and accessibility.
Crystal's connection to disability advocacy began long before her own diagnosis. She was raised by a father who was totally blind, had a deaf grandfather, and is the proud mother of a son on the autism spectrum. Her mother, who lived with Crystal and her family for ten years, spent her final two years in a wheelchair after losing her mobility due to dementia.
Crystal herself lives with Complex PTSD and suffers from Vestibular Migraines, which cause significant balance issues. She is a fall risk and has a non-functioning left inner ear, making Big’s support essential in her daily life.
Through ADA Paws Pass, Crystal provides tools and products that help protect the rights of service dog handlers while also raising awareness for the challenges faced by those with both visible and invisible disabilities. She also donates 10% of all profits to Fortunate Sons, an organization that supports Veterans living with PTSD in the U.S. and abroad.
Crystal is also a nationally recognized vocalist, teacher, and community leader. Whether on stage at Carnegie Hall or at a farmer’s market sharing ADA education cards, she pours her heart into everything she does.
When you support ADA Paws Pass, you’re not just purchasing a product — you’re standing alongside Crystal and Big in a movement for dignity, understanding, and change.
Empowering Change Through Awareness
Our Mission
At ADA Paws Pass, we’re on a mission to shake up the world’s understanding of disabilities—one wag, one eye roll, and one awkward encounter at a time. Founded by Crystal McDaniel (human, advocate, and professional survivor of “but you don’t look disabled” comments) and her 105-pound service dog, Big (who’s basically a four-legged personal assistant with better manners than most people), we’re here to educate and elevate.
Yes—we’ve heard “Do you have paperwork on that dog?” more times than we can count. That’s exactly why we’re flipping the script with real talk, trendy tech, and fashion-forward gear for both dogs and humans. You’ll find the sunflower symbol—the international sign for invisible disabilities—featured proudly on our products, helping to start conversations and open minds.
We’re here to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and give you tools that are as bold and unapologetic as you are. Whether you’ve got a service dog by your side or you’re just tired of explaining your story for the 47th time, we see you—and we’ve got your back.
Because at ADA Paws Pass, we believe knowledge sparks compassion, and compassion changes everything.
Together, we are building a more inclusive world—one pass, one conversation, and one story at a time.
Join us in our mission to educate, advocate, and support those affected by invisible disabilities. Every purchase contributes to making a difference in the lives of individuals struggling with unseen challenges.
