Armored Ladder Hatch Block by Door Closer

Tested a couple placements but each time I am blocking from climbing up the armored ladder hatch because the door closer is placed in the middle of the opening hole (giggity).  Can't get through the small but thick opening of the hole. I tried sliding my body slowly and even jiggled my head around the rim but no go. I took the door closer out gently so not to irritate the opening and it I replaced it but it still gives me a stiff opposition for me going in. Please advise....... :P