Ramp Built for Double Amputee After Months of Crawling

Community rallies to install accessibility ramp for Mark Micthell after Facebook post goes viral

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Ten days after sharing the story of Mark Micthell, a double amputee who had been forced to crawl in and out of his home to reach his power wheelchair, a ramp has now been built and installed thanks to community volunteers. Micthell had spent over a year trying to get a ramp installed after being forced out of a mobile home that had one, and the new ramp will significantly improve his daily life.

Why it matters

This story highlights the ongoing challenges that people with disabilities face in accessing basic home accommodations, and how community action can make a real difference in improving quality of life. Micthell's situation reflects broader issues around affordable and accessible housing, as well as the need for more robust support systems for people with disabilities.

The details

After Toni Williams posted on Facebook about Micthell's situation, the United Way's ramp program enlisted help through UAW Region 1. Nicholas Dekalita volunteered his time to get the ramp built for Micthell after seeing a news interview about the issue. On Saturday, Dekalita began clearing the stairs and preparing for the ramp installation, ensuring it would accommodate Micthell's powered wheelchair.

  • In the fall of 2024, Micthell was forced out of a mobile home that had a ramp because the mobile home park was condemned.
  • Micthell then found another home, but it did not have a ramp, leaving him crawling in and out for over a year.
  • On February 4, 2026, Toni Williams posted on Facebook about Micthell's situation, which gained attention and led to the ramp being built.
  • On February 17, 2026, the new ramp was installed and Micthell was able to use his wheelchair inside his home again.

The players

Mark Micthell

A double amputee who had been forced to crawl in and out of his home for over a year to reach his power wheelchair, until a new ramp was installed.

Toni Williams

A community member who posted about Micthell's situation on Facebook, which gained attention and led to the ramp being built.

Nicholas Dekalita

A volunteer who stepped up to get the ramp built for Micthell after seeing a news interview about the issue.

United Way's ramp program

The organization that enlisted help through UAW Region 1 to get the ramp built for Micthell.

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What they’re saying

“I really didn't think Michigan had anything to offer.”

— Mark Micthell (midmichigannow.com)

“Happy that I can finally get my wheelchair in it, so I don't have to always leave it outside. I can use it inside the house now.”

— Mark Micthell (midmichigannow.com)

“I did go on there to vent and my vent caught attention and everybody was like, you know, she's right like this crazy.”

— Toni Williams (midmichigannow.com)

“I've seen that and it just, you know, inspired me. I just wanted to go home and I got home and I got in contact with Mark.”

— Nicholas Dekalita, Volunteer (midmichigannow.com)

“We just basically made sure that, you know, we had enough angle for a powered wheelchair to come in and out of the house. And of course, I just wanted to make sure there were safe handrails going in and out.”

— Nicholas Dekalita, Volunteer (midmichigannow.com)

What’s next

With the ramp now in place, Micthell will no longer have to crawl and will be able to use his wheelchair inside his home again, significantly improving his daily life.

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing challenges that people with disabilities face in accessing basic home accommodations, and how community action can make a real difference in improving quality of life. It reflects the need for more robust support systems and accessible housing options for individuals with disabilities.