The Invisible Art of Accessible Design: Building a Home That Works for Everyone

In Ottawa’s Alta Vista-neighborhood, Justin Ferrabee and his partner Tricia Weagant’s home showcases the transformative power of thoughtful adaptive renovations. From the outside, you might notice the elegant wooden ramps gracefully connecting different levels of the property—a perfect example of how accessible home modifications can enhance both functionality and curb appeal. Step inside, and you’ll find thoughtfully designed spaces that seamlessly blend accessibility with aesthetic appeal, demonstrating how aging in place solutions can work for families of all ages.
“The question isn’t just about making a space accessible,” Ferrabee explains. “It’s about fairness, universal accessibility, and the integration of someone into a family. Those things matter more than you might realize.”
According to the Rick Hansen Foundation, over 20% of Canadians aged 15 and older identify as having at least one disability, yet less than 1% of homes in Canada are currently built with accessibility in mind. This gap highlights the growing importance of thoughtful adaptive home design in our society.

The Journey to Universal Design

When Ferrabee-Weagant began their search for an accessible home in Ottawa that could accommodate his son Lincoln’s mobility needs, they quickly discovered the limitations of the existing housing market. While there were some adapted homes available, they often fell into two categories: basic disability home modifications with visible accessibility features, or high-end universal design homes that were few and far between.
“The retrofitted homes often felt like they were done as a minimum fix, specific to an individual need,” Ferrabee notes. “You’d see steel bars drilled into walls and temporary ramps out front. They were functional but designed with an end in mind—perhaps someone older, where they didn’t want to invest too much.”
This realization led the family to pursue renovation as their path forward. While this choice came with its own challenges, it offered the opportunity to create a space perfectly tailored to their needs. The family selected a bungalow, though Ferrabee points out that even this seemingly straightforward choice required careful consideration: “A bungalow isn’t automatically accessible. Ours had seven stairs to the front door, four to the back, and various level changes throughout.”
The experts concur: “Too often, accessibility is treated as a checklist rather than an integrated design approach,” says Avi Friedman, Professor of Architecture at McGill
Design That Disappears
One of the most striking aspects of the Ferrabee home is how the accessibility features blend seamlessly into the overall design. Rather than installing hospital-style grab bars, for instance, the family opted for a continuous wooden banister that flows through the bathroom, serving both as a safety feature and an architectural element.
“We wanted consistency,” Ferrabee explains. “All the doors are wider than standard, but you don’t notice because there isn’t a normal-sized door for comparison. The ramping and access points are integrated so that everyone can enter any part of the house—it’s not about having just one accessible entrance.”
Brad McCannell, Vice President of Access and Inclusion at the Rick Hansen Foundation, emphasizes this approach: “Universal design isn’t about specialized solutions for people with disabilities—it’s about creating environments that work better for everyone. When done right, these features enhance the home’s functionality for all users, regardless of ability.”
This attention to detail extended to every aspect of the project, sometimes requiring extensive design, planning, and patient contractors. “We would work through the details and the options. We spent a lot of time thinking about ramp configurations,” Ferrabee recalls. “But you have to consider how each change affects access to other parts of the house. It’s like any design—you’ve got to grind at it to make it simple, to make it work. It’s important to have a strong and creative team”

Learning Through Experience
Despite meticulous planning, Ferrabee acknowledges there were still lessons learned along the way. “Even with all that consideration, we still missed things,” he admits. “The stone path from the deck to the backyard office isn’t flat enough for easy navigation. These are the details you might not think about until you’re living in the space.”
A study by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) found that 85% of Canadians want to remain in their homes as they age, making adaptable design increasingly crucial. The same study revealed that incorporating universal design features during initial construction or renovation typically adds only 1-3% to the total project cost, compared to retrofitting later.
One of the most valuable insights Ferrabee shares is about working with contractors and designers: “You have to be part of the process,” he emphasizes. “They are keen to help and to do the right thing; they know how to design and build things, but they’ve not had the experiences.”
Beyond Financial Considerations
When asked about advice for others embarking on similar projects, Ferrabee emphasizes the importance of looking beyond traditional renovation metrics like return on investment. “You have to let go of the idea of watching HGTV and thinking about how much more the house will be worth,” he says. “This isn’t about that—it’s about making a house accessible and full of joy.”
He acknowledges the financial challenges but maintains that the impact on quality of life far outweighs monetary considerations. “Everyone benefits from someone being included,” he explains. “Tricia and I are better if Lincoln has full and fluid access. His siblings are better for having him as a more active sibling. It’s not just about that one person—it’s about the whole family system.”
Betty Dion, founder of the International Centre for Accessible Transportation, supports Ferrabee’s conclusion: “The social return on investment for accessible housing is immeasurable. It reduces healthcare costs, supports aging in place, and most importantly, maintains family unity and independence.”
A Blueprint for Future Homes

The Ferrabee-Weagant home serves as an inspiring example of how thoughtful design can create spaces that work for everyone without compromising on aesthetics or functionality. It demonstrates that accessibility features, when properly integrated, can enhance rather than detract from a home’s appeal.
“Most people who have somebody with a disability in their family know what it is to have a restricted set of options,” Ferrabee reflects. “This renovation might feel restricting too—not being able to focus purely on aesthetics or return on investment. But the rewards of creating a truly inclusive space are immeasurable. We would not want it any other way.”
The Canadian Disability Survey (2017) indicates that 6.2 million Canadians aged 15 and over report having a disability that limits their daily activities. As our population ages, these numbers are expected to grow, making universal design not just a personal choice but a societal imperative.
Key Lessons for Adaptive Living

Think Beyond Basic Requirements: While accessibility standards provide a baseline, truly inclusive spaces require thinking about how people actually live in and move through their homes. Consider comprehensive home safety assessments to identify all potential modification needs.
Integration Over Adaptation: Instead of treating mobility solutions as afterthoughts, incorporate accessible living solutions into the fundamental design of the space. This approach to aging in place renovations creates a more cohesive living environment.
Expert Knowledge Matters: Be prepared to become your own advocate while working with certified adaptive specialists. While professionals bring valuable skills, lived experience should guide the home modification process.
Value What Matters: Focus on how adaptive home solutions enhance quality of life rather than traditional renovation metrics. The right accessible home modifications can empower independent living for years to come.
Consider the Whole Family: Remember that accessible design benefits everyone in the household, creating spaces where all family members can thrive together. From curbless shower installations to wider doorways, these features support multi-generational living.
As Ferrabee-Weagant’s experience shows, creating an accessible home isn’t just about meeting immediate needs—it’s about building spaces that foster independence, dignity, and joy for every family member. For Ottawa families considering home modifications for seniors or family members with disabilities, their journey offers a roadmap: start with understanding your specific needs, work with experienced adaptive renovation specialists, and never lose sight of the ultimate goal—creating a home where everyone can live fully and freely.
The growing demand for accessible living solutions in Ottawa reflects a broader trend toward aging in place and inclusive design. As the population ages and awareness grows about the importance of accessible home modifications, stories like the Ferrabees-Weagant’s demonstrate how innovative home modifications can create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Their experience shows that with proper planning and expertise, home accessibility upgrades can seamlessly blend into any home’s design while significantly enhancing quality of life for all residents.