Joining Bedford Pooraka six years ago, the 33-year-old currently works three days a week in linen and wine packaging at Elizabeth.
"I like the variety of work here, I've made lots of friends and the supervisors are nice," Brendan says.
As part of this NDIS plan, Brendan is attending cooking classes once at week in the Elizabeth café.
"I've learnt to cook meals like lasagne, spaghetti, chicken schnitzel and potato bake, and I'm getting better at chopping foods," he says. "I really like the classes because everyone gets a chance to be involved."
For Brendan's dad Dennis, transitioning to the NDIS has been a smooth experience.
"The staff here at Elizabeth and across Bedford have been fantastic. To be honest, in the beginning we didn't really know what it was all about but we were taken through the steps and had follow-up meetings to explain what Bedford could offer."
"When the concept of cooking classes came up we thought that would be excellent because we could see how that would help him become more independent, especially when the time comes when we're not around, which, unfortunately you do need to plan for."
"Brendan's coordination is a bit slow so the fact he can chop up food quite well now is good, and not only that but he brings home some food for us every Monday night! We've also been able to replicate the recipes with him at home."
Brendan has also been getting out and about around Adelaide with Bedford support worker, Josh.
"I wanted to get out in the community more," Brendan says. "It's been really fun spending time with Josh – we've been shopping, ten pin bowling and to the movies. I really like going to the library as well."
Dennis says Brendan's social outings have been a great success.
"We were a bit anxious about someone new coming on board, but when we met Josh he put everyone at ease which was fantastic. We have a lot of confidence in him," he says."One of Brendan's goals is to improve his road-sense and being able to cross roads confidently, which is something he's also able work on with Josh."
Dennis says budgeting lessons and therapeutic and fitness supports would be great additions to Brendan's plan down the track.
"We're very happy with everything that's happening at the moment," Dennis says. "The NDIS is a very complex system but Bedford has made it very easy for us - without Bedford we would definitely not be in the situation we're in now. It's been fantastic."