Four small stairs stood between Katie Burgoyne and the outside world. Four stairs may not sound like much, but even one can be too many when you’re navigating life in a wheelchair.

After breaking both legs in a 2021 skiing accident, Burgoyne, 46, spent nearly six months in a wheelchair. Those four steps leading into her home determined whether she could go to the grocery store or attend her sons’ activities—or remain stuck inside.

Amramp owners Damon and Katie Burgoyne.

 The experience was especially eye-opening because Burgoyne and her husband, Damon, 51, own Amramp of Montrose, a company that installs wheelchair ramps and other adaptive equipment. Facing her own mobility challenges gave Burgoyne a much deeper understanding of what clients go through when they suddenly need that kind of equipment at home.

“I thought I knew what our business meant before that,” Burgoyne said. “But after six months in a wheelchair, it totally changed.”

Getting out of the house was her biggest struggle, but navigating everyday tasks in public became difficult, too.

“I realized how hard it was to open and get through the door, when you’re in a wheelchair,” Burgoyne said.

That experience reshaped how she views her work and the people her business serves.

FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS FOR CHANGING NEEDS

Burgoyne’s parents purchased an Amramp franchise in Denver nearly 14 years ago. Burgoyne and her husband worked there for seven years before her parents decided to retire and sold them the business. A couple of years ago, the family installed a ramp at Montrose Foot & Ankle Clinic, and they fell in love with the area.

“We’ve wanted to move here for years,” Burgoyne said. “And there is such a need here for these services.”

Amramp can typically respond more quickly than larger companies. By keeping inventory on hand, they’re able to reduce both costs and installation time.

“We can get some ramps installed within 48 hours of the first call,” she said.

Their ramps can be used temporarily while someone recovers from surgery or longer when mobility needs are ongoing.

“Say your grandmother is declining and you decide to have her come live with you. We can install a ramp with no modifications to your structure, and when it’s no longer needed, we come take it away,” said Burgoyne.

Amramp can even install temporary ramps for wedding guests, graduations and family gatherings.

Recognizing that the need for ramps and other adaptive equipment often comes after an unexpected medical event, rent-to-own options are also available.

In addition to ramps, the company installs stair lifts, platform lifts, handrails and bathroom safety equipment. Both Katie and Damon are certified in aging-in-place practices, and Damon is a licensed contractor who can complete full ADA modifications if necessary.

Accessibility ramp at Copper Mountain

 A SAFER WAY TO STAY AT HOME

More than half of older Americans want to remain in their homes as they age, according to a 2025 UCHealth Today article. Modifying a home to prevent falls is a top priority.

The financial impact can also be significant. Assisted living facilities can cost around $6,000 per month, while nursing homes may approach $9,000, making aging in place a more affordable option for some families.

“When someone replaces your roof, the chances of you getting a hug is very slim. When we install a ramp for someone who hasn’t been able to leave their house or so someone can come home from the hospital, people are so grateful,” said Burgoyne.

Amramp of Montrose serves the entire Western Slope. For a free consultation, call 970-417-4010 or visit Amramp.com/western-slope-co