Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra Announces Name Change

Mammoth Lakes, CA — After more than two decades as a trusted name in adaptive recreation, Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra is excited to announce their new name: Access Mammoth.

Founded in 2003 by Kathy Copeland to establish an adaptive ski program at Mammoth Mountain, the nonprofit has since grown into a year-round organization offering skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, paddling, climbing and more for people of all ages and abilities. Originally known as the Mammoth Adaptive Sports Foundation, the organization became Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra when it joined the national Disabled Sports USA network in 2005.

Now, after 20 years of success as DSES, the organization is changing its name to reflect the evolution of language in the world of adaptive sports.

“The core of everything we do is breaking down barriers to participation so that no one is left out of the opportunity to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and enjoy our beautiful mountains,” says Executive Director Marisa Gierlich. “Over the years, our name has become a negative for some people. As language and word usage evolve through time, the perception of words can change. For some individuals, as well as for some parents of disabled children, the word “disabled” has a negative connotation when used as a label to describe themselves, their child or their activities. While “disability” is certainly not a bad word, many of our participants see themselves as a “person with a disability” versus a “disabled person”.  While the difference may seem subtle, over time, we at DSES have come to see ourselves as leaders offering access to adaptive sports versus disabled sports.

Serious discussion of a new name began in spring 2024, when donors and long-time DSES volunteers Barbara and Ken Kubarych stepped forward to lead the effort. In a year-long process that included thoughtful discussion and input from staff, board members, volunteers, participants, and families, one name rose to the top: Access Mammoth.

“We believe Access Mammoth is a simple, powerful reflection of the organization’s purpose and place,” says Marisa. “Despite the name change, we are still the same dynamic and ever-evolving organization that Kathy Copeland envisioned as DSES,” Gierlich added. “Our heart, our community, and our mission all remain the same.”

Access Mammoth will continue to offer year-round adaptive programs in the beautiful Eastern Sierra, staying rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the chance to experience outdoor adventure.