Lifelong Learning with Friends

Creating a Campus for All: Welcoming Adults with IDDs to the Roadrunner Family

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) often encounter systemic barriers to higher education, social connection, and community involvement. Traditional academic settings have historically overlooked people with IDDs and lacked the resources to meet their learning needs, leading to isolation and limiting opportunities for personal growth. At the same time, most university students have limited interaction with the IDD population. Lifelong Learning with Friends addresses both sides of this divide by fostering welcoming, on-campus classrooms that empower adults with IDDs and offer students transformative learning experiences.

The program develops independence, communication skills, and social engagement for participants with IDDs, while preparing university students—especially future educators, healthcare professionals, and researchers—to become advocates for neurodiversity in their [professional] fields and society.

Program Origin and Description

Lifelong Learning with Friends (LLwF) is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2010 at the University of Texas at Austin by Dr. Jonathan Pierce, a UT neuroscience professor inspired by his son with Down syndrome. LLwF is dedicated to expanding continuing education opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs).

Through engaging, college-style courses held on university campuses, LLwF creates spaces where adults with IDDs and neurotypical university students learn together. Our mission is to foster mutual growth, challenge assumptions, and expand postsecondary opportunities for individuals with IDDs. In addition, we are also training the next generation of innovative educators, healthcare providers, and researchers through hands-on experience. LLwF is now growing beyond its Austin roots and bringing a continuing education option with an exciting expansion at The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Spring 2026 Courses

Course Title: Amazing Animals around the World
Dates & Times: Wednesdays, February 11–March 25, 2026 | 6–8 PM
Location: Main Campus, Biosciences Building (BSB) 3.03.02 (Loeffler Room)
Instructor: Sierra Stegemann
Description: In this class, students will embark on a virtual safari to different regions of the world to learn about the unique wildlife found across the continents. From the powerful bison of North America to the colorful macaws of South America, from Australia’s curious platypus to Asia's iconic pandas, each class will spotlight a new region and the animals that call it home.

Course Title: Mad Scientist!
Dates & Times: Wednesdays, April 1–May 6, 2026 | 6–8 PM
Location: Main Campus, Biosciences Building (BSB) 3.03.02 (Loeffler Room)
Instructor: Diya Datta
Description: In this class, students will perform fun and interactive science experiments. Each class will explore a different scientific activity. Throughout the course, students practice observation, creativity, and scientific thinking in an exciting, accessible way. This class aims to foster curiosity, build confidence, and make science feel approachable and exciting.

Volunteers

Volunteer Requirements

Volunteers must be current University of Texas at San Antonio undergraduate or graduate students and commit to attending all sessions for the full course duration. Their role includes:

Participating actively in all activities and discussions
Providing one-on-one support to students with IDDs as needed
Maintaining a welcoming, respectful, and engaging classroom environment

This format ensures that adults with IDDs gain access to consistent and enriching educational experiences on campus—while university students develop empathy, leadership, and practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Instructor Recruitment: As our program expands, we are motivated to find both instructors and/or one-time guest speakers for our classes. Please contact us for more information.
Potential partnerships with student organizations

Volunteer Sign Up