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.

Lifelong Learning with Friends 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.

LLwF Fall 2026 Courses

Session 1

Course Title: [Hybrid] Healthy Mind, Healthy Body: Self Care 101
Instructor: Diya Datta
Dates: September 9, 2026–October 14, 2026
Day & Time: Wednesdays, 6–8 pm CST — meeting synchronously in person on UT San Antonio campus and online using Zoom
Location: Main Campus, Biosciences Building (BSB) 3.03.02 (Loeffler Room)
Description: In this course students will discover fun and simple ways to care for both your mind and body through movement, relaxation, and mindfulness. We will explore gentle yoga poses, stretching exercises, and breathing techniques that help reduce stress and improve focus. We will practice mindfulness exercises that encourage us to slow down and notice our thoughts. Students will learn easy techniques they can use at home to feel calmer and more energized throughout the day. We'll also play interactive games and participate in discussions about healthy habits and positive thinking. No previous yoga or mindfulness experience is needed, and all activities can be adapted for different ability levels. The goal of this course is to create a welcoming, supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable trying something new.

Session 2

Course Title: [In-Person] The Curiosity Lab: Finding Fun in Science
strong>Instructor: Ashley Miller
Dates: October 21, 2026–December 2, 2026 (skip November 25)
Day & Time: Wednesdays, 6–8 pm CST — meeting in person on UT San Antonio campus
Location: Main Campus, Biosciences Building (BSB) 3.03.02 (Loeffler Room)
Description: Have you ever wondered how crystals grow, how tiny living things survive, or what micro-organisms look under a microscope? In The Curiosity Lab, students investigate the amazing world around them and find out why things work the way they do through exciting, hands-on experiments. Students will grow colorful crystals and build simple electrical circuits, unravel the mysteries of "miniature" life by investigating microscopic lifeforms, and even extract DNA from their favorite fruits! Every class, students will learn a new scientific skill, make observations, ask questions, test ideas, and think like real scientists. In The Curiosity Lab, we solve problems and uncover the science behind everyday phenomena. This course offers a fun, interactive environment where we make science exciting for creative and curious minds.

LLwF Volunteers

LLwF 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 in LLwF

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

LLwF Volunteer Sign Up