Empowering and enhancing the lives of people living with ‘diffability’.

Lighting the fire for learning.

Kris Fielding.

‘Diffability’ is not yet in the Oxford Dictionary, but it should be, says Wairarapa resident, Alan Fielding. He’s written to the Oxford University Press; once, twice, three times, and will continue to write until the term (a clever amalgamation of ‘Different’ and ‘Ability’, given to Alan by one of his post-grad students many years ago) is indelibly documented on its crisp pages.

“It’s a term that removes the stigma traditionally associated with ‘disability’ and recognises the ‘abilities and value’ every person has, no matter the cards they have been dealt in life,” says Alan. Having the term officially recognised is important to Alan; not only for him but in memory of his son, Kris, who was born with Spina Bifida in 1968 and sadly passed away in 1995.

Kris was a keen navel enthusiast, enjoying trips to visit naval vessels berthed at various ports and loved his role working in the Registry of Artefacts at Palmerston North’s Te Manawa Museum Complex. He also admired the CCS bumper stickers – We Can!; a reflection on his positive attitude and zest for life and belief that everyone had the capacity to make something of their lives and contribute to society

A foundation of education

A former Environmental Technology and Environmental Education lecturer at both Palmerston North University and Massey University, Alan is a big believer in the power of education.

“It’s a matter of striking a match and lighting a fire,” he says, “it is through education that they can realise their potential, build self-esteem and confidence.”

“Many times, Kris felt that he may not be as good as other people,” says Alan, “but it was through learning and the pursuit of his own passions that he realised he brought his own value.”

Knowing this, he wanted to ensure that the next generation experiencing a ‘diffability’ had the opportunities to unlock their potential through access to education.

A gift that will last forever

When he discovered Community Foundations of New Zealand, Alan had already been looking for a way to make a gift to his community that would last forever. A quick call through to Nikau Foundation and his mind was made up; to create a fund in honour of Kris with a plan to give a gift in his will.

“It is such a brilliant concept,” says Alan, “Nikau Foundation’s model means that my gift can continue to provide education for generations to come – it means that people with a diffability can always stoke the fire around their dreams.”

The Kris Fielding – We Can! Fund was established with the goal of supporting people unlock their potential through education, enabling them to achieve equality, an independent lifestyle, better participation in the community and a platform for them to achieve a better future.

Through the fund, Alan has launched the Kris Fielding Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded to tertiary students with diffabilities to empower and enhance their opportunities.

Alan reminds us of the essential rule ‘never discourage anyone who continually makes progress no matter how slow’ (Plato).

To find out more about the Kris Fielding – We Can! Fund, click here.