Growing in Place: Designing Homes that Evolve with Your Child

What Is Growing in Place?

You’ve probably heard the term Aging in Place—the idea that homes can be adapted to support seniors as they age. But what about children with disabilities? What happens when a home needs to evolve with a child, supporting them through early development, adolescence, and into adulthood?

That’s where Growing in Place comes in.

Coined and developed by BuildAble’s Co-founder and Clinical Nurse Specialist (also a professor at the University of Ottawa), Growing in Place is a philosophy and design approach that supports families of children and teens with disabilities. It’s about building or renovating homes that grow and change—just like your child does.

From Newborn to Old Age and Growing-in-Place to Aging-in-Place

Whether your child uses a wheelchair, walker, or has sensory or cognitive differences, Growing in Place helps ensure your home remains functional, flexible, and empowering—today and for years to come.

Why It Matters

Growing in Place isn’t just about accessibility—it’s about dignity, independence, and family sustainability. It helps families avoid repeated, expensive renovations by planning ahead with smart, future-proof designs.

Top Tips for Growing in Place

1. Start with a Clinical Lens

Before you renovate, speak with a health professional who understands both current and future mobility, care, and sensory needs. At BuildAble, we start every Growing in Place project with an on-site assessment, which is then reviewed by our health care professionals, to help guide appropriate design decisions. If you are working with an OT, we are happy to partner with them as part of your circle of care.

2. Think Beyond the “Now”

Your 5-year-old might use a small walker today—but what will they need at 12, 17, or 25? A newborn may be in a diaper, but what will toileting look like as they grow? Design with flexibility in mind. Adjustable grab bars (or even putting blocking behind the walls until you know if grab bars are required) modular vanities, and open floor plans can grow with your child’s body and abilities.

3. Make It Easy to Participate

From kitchen counters to backyard decks, kids deserve to be included in daily family life. Consider wheelchair-accessible islands, roll-under homework stations, or curb-free outdoor access so your child never misses a moment. Bonus - EVERYONE can use & enjoy these spaces!

4. Future-Proof

Bathrooms, bedrooms, and entryways are high-priority areas.

Think about features like:

• Roll-in showers with adjustable shower heads

• Wider doorways with pocket doors

• Ceiling lift reinforcement (even if you won’t install one right away)

  
  

5. Involve Your Child & Family Members

Kids and teens with disabilities should feel ownership over their space. Choose features that reflect their personality—like bold paint, custom lighting, or accessible tech—and create areas where they can thrive independently. Remember - decor/paint can easily change - but building safe spaces can work for the long-term.

If there are other kids in the family, make sure they are also included in this process. Home adaptations can be a big change - and you'll want support for the whole team to be on the same page.

Growing in Place Guide (Free PDF) Coming Soon!

Want help planning your journey? We’re creating a free downloadable checklist to guide you through each phase of your child’s development, with design considerations and planning tips for each age group.

👉 Download the Growing in Place Guide (soon!)

Inside, you’ll find:

• A “Growth Milestone Checklist”

• Tips for each stage (Early Childhood, School Age, Teens, Young Adult)

• Ideas for adaptive furniture, fixtures, and layouts

• Questions to ask your contractor or care team

Let’s Build a Home That Grows With Your Family

At BuildAble, we know that accessible homes aren’t just about ramps and railings—they’re about building confidence, independence, and connection. Whether you’re just starting your journey or preparing for your teen’s transition to adulthood, our team is here to help.

📞 Contact us to book a Growing in Place consultation or get started with your free checklist today.