Designing for Dignity: Why Building Codes Aren’t Enough
Following a life-changing car accident in 1983 that left him using a wheelchair, Daryl Rock has spent over four decades shaping Canada’s accessibility landscape—from national policy to personal design. In our latest Living Larger feature, we sat down with the longtime Ottawa-based advocate to explore why minimum standards fall short—and how thoughtful, human-centred design can transform lives.
When ‘Meeting Code’ Falls Short
Rock doesn’t just think about functionality—he considers resale value, pride in place, and creating a home that feels good to live in. ‘I didn’t want to seem to be living in a hospital,’ he explains. ‘I wanted a home I could use fully and be proud of.’ That principle—that accessibility and beauty are not mutually exclusive—is central to Adaptive Living’s work.
He recalls touring Vancouver’s LEED Platinum-certified Telus headquarters, a $30 million sustainability showcase, only to find it inaccessible at the front door. ‘There were three or four steps, so I had to use the side entrance 150 metres away. When I brought it up, the builder said, ‘We met the code.’
For Rock, that response epitomises the problem. ‘If we said women or people of colour had to use the back door, people would be outraged. But when it comes to wheelchair users, it’s still accepted in too many places.’
He points to Ottawa’s heritage buildings—particularly in the ByWard Market and along Sparks Street—many of which remain inaccessible under the guise of preservation. ‘It’s one of the last forms of discrimination people still feel comfortable defending in our city,’ Rock notes. ‘Ottawa prides itself on being inclusive, yet wheelchair users are routinely directed to service entrances and back alleyways at some of our most celebrated historic sites and restaurants.’
From Problem to Opportunity
The core issue, Rock believes, is attitude. ‘As long as we see disability as something to fix, we miss the opportunity to create. People put minimum energy into solving a problem, but maximum effort into creating a ‘wow’ factor. Why not treat accessibility the same way?’
That mindset shift opens the door to innovation. With nearly one in four Canadians living with some form of disability—including both visible and invisible conditions—Rock sees accessibility as a design opportunity, not a burden. ‘It’s not just about compliance. It’s about real life.’
Customisation Over Compliance
Rock cautions against one-size-fits-all thinking. He notes that broad definitions of disability—while inclusive—can sometimes dilute the focus on physical accessibility. ‘We’ve made so many accommodations for invisible disabilities such as mental health issues—which matter—but physical accessibility has fallen behind.’
At Adaptive Living, customisation is key. From healthcare-informed assessments to tailored renovations, the goal is always to create spaces that work beautifully for real people, not just meet regulations.
Design With Dignity
Rock’s approach to his own home reflects this philosophy. ‘I wanted three things: full functionality, aesthetic appeal, and resale value,’ he says. ‘Too often, accessible homes look clinical or temporary. But when people believe they can have both beauty and accessibility, they live fuller lives.’
He shares the story of a condo that was renovated for maximum function—but not form. ‘It sold at a loss, because it felt institutional. Design affects how we feel about ourselves.’
Instead, Rock argues, we should aspire to build for dignity. ‘The model suite in a condo isn’t just functional—it’s aspirational. That’s what accessibility should be too.’
At Adaptive Living, we believe accessible homes should inspire pride, not compromise. Through collaboration with healthcare professionals, thoughtful design, and client-centred solutions, we create spaces that empower Ottawa residents to live larger—on their terms.
