Wheelchair User ‘Blown Away’ by How New Girlfriend’s Family Changed Home to Make It More Accessible

In the peaceful forests of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Serena and Dan Denson own a scenic property with their family home and three cozy cabins. Since settling in the small town of Iron River two years ago, they’ve turned the area into a relaxing escape for loved ones — including Serena’s sister-in-law, Jamie Gausmann, 45.

Jamie lives four hours away in Madison, Wisconsin, but she was excited to share that getaway with her boyfriend of three months — retired two-time Paralympian Steve Emt, 55 — who has used a wheelchair since age 25.

To make the visit possible, Serena and Dan decided to construct an accessibility ramp so Steve could fully enjoy one of the cabins.

“I knew in order to have [him] visit, we would need to build a ramp to get into one of the cabins,” Serena, 41, says. When they bought the property, the cabins didn’t have decks, so the project was already on their long-term improvement list.

Their first plan involved a combination ramp and deck at the back of a cabin — but after measuring Steve’s wheelchair at about 30 inches wide, they realized the patio door was three inches too narrow. With time ticking, they shifted the build to the front entrance instead.

“We really wanted him to experience the UP, and when we told [Jamie] we were going to build a ramp, she was SO excited,” Serena recalls.

Dan designed the ramp using a home improvement store website and drove an hour-and-a-half round-trip for supplies. He began construction on Monday — with Steve set to arrive Thursday.

The materials cost about $1,500, and aside from help loading lumber, Dan built the ramp himself. Serena jokes that he prefers mechanical work over carpentry, but the desire to make Jamie happy kept him motivated.

Although the ramp may not technically meet full ADA specifications, the couple worked hard to ensure Steve could use it independently. They even added temporary plywood to smooth the entry until railings and anti-slip surfaces are installed this spring.

For Serena, the project came from growing awareness:
“Seeing how [Steve] navigated life in a wheelchair opened my eyes to everyday challenges — especially how something as simple as a few steps can keep someone from entering a home.”

This wasn’t their first accessibility-focused improvement. They once added handrails for Serena’s cousin, who had broken her neck as a teenager and still needs extra support on stairs. That small change helped them understand just how transformative accessibility can be.

Building the ramp felt like a meaningful next step — not just for Steve, but for anyone who might need accommodations in the future.

Steve was deeply touched by their effort.
“To say this is an incredible feat by two very caring people would be an understatement,” he says. He describes being able to explore the beautiful property freely as “the definition of independence,” and adds that he’s already looking forward to more visits.

After Serena shared the ramp on social media, many people with disabilities commented about how uncommon it is for homeowners to make accessibility updates purely out of consideration for guests. The response moved her to tears.

“It made me realize how isolating inaccessibility can be,” she says. “Can you imagine not being able to visit friends or family because of a few steps? That’s why this project became so important.”

Serena hopes more people consider universal access when renovating — not just for wheelchair users, but for life’s unpredictable turns.

“You never know when someone you love will face a physical limitation — a broken leg, aging parents, even pushing a stroller,” she says. “A simple ramp can ensure everyone is welcome.”