Funds raised for the Dylan Alcott Foundation go directly toward empowering young Australians living with disability to achieve their dreams โ just like Cooper and Kaia.
Cooper Smith, an 19-year-old DJ and music producer living with cerebral palsy, has been passionate about music since childhood. With the support of the Dylan Alcott Foundation [DAF], Cooper was provided essential DJ equipment, enabling him to pursue his dream. This support led to his debut performance at Australiaโs leading inclusive and accessible music festival Ability Fest by the DAF in 2023. This experience paired with his tireless work ethic opened doors to new opportunities in the industry. Since then, Cooper has performed at various festivals, is a signed and touring artist and continues to produce and release new music.
โYour [DAF] support means so much, I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for supporting me always.💙โ
Join Cooper and his family at the Nike Melbourne Marathon to champion change and raise vital funds to empower more young Aussies with disability to pursue their dreams.
Image – [Cooper pictured at Ability Fest main stage]
In partnership with 14 leading universities around the country, the DAF has been able to support 25 scholarship recipients pursuing diverse degrees, empowering them to overcome barriers to entry and pursue their dream careers.
Meet Kaia Krause, newly selected scholarship recipient attending the National Institute of Dramatic Arts [NIDA], studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts; Technical Theatre and Stage Management. As a neurodivergent student, Kaia is excited to follow their passion of bringing theatre and stage performances to life.
Image – [Kaia and Dylan pictured in front of a NIDA media wall]
โThe well being and support I have received and offered since coming here [NIDA] , has been overwhelming. It is because of the Dylan Alcott Foundation. They call these scholarships life-changing, and for me it genuinely has been and I am absolutely honoured to have been the recipient of the Dylan Alcott Foundation scholarship.โ – Kaia Krause
Every dollar raised helps more young people like Cooper and Kaia thrive โ in sport, education, the arts, and beyond. Whether itโs helping fund life-changing equipment, education, or access to mentoring, your support makes a lasting impact.
To learn more about other young legends DAF supports or to make a donation visit us at www.dylanalcottfoundation.com.au.
