Mentors help others with challenges

It was Laponza Ashley's first day of work in years, and he bobbed up and down easily in the water of the Family Y's pool.

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Annette M. Drowlette/Staff

Instructor Claudia Collins (left) and Laponza Ashley work together at the Family Y pool during mentor training.

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Annette M. Drowlette/Staff

Instructor Claudia Collins (left) and Laponza Ashley work together at the Family Y pool during mentor training.

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Mr. Ashley has been relying on disability payments since the inflammatory disease sarcoidosis attacked his lungs and left him gasping for air when he overexerts himself.

But there is more to Mr. Ashley than his disability, which he refers to as his "challenge," and he wants to prove it.

So as part of Walton Options' inaugural Mentor Mondays program, Mr. Ashley took the plunge into the pool to aid other disabled individuals in the Family Y's adaptive aquatics program.

"Being a person of challenge myself, I wanted to take on this adventure," Mr. Ashley said.

Every Monday this month, seven candidates -- each living with a physical or mental disability -- will be visiting workplaces such as the Family Y to get a taste of the working world before they begin the job search on their own, said Brian Mosley, an employment skill coordinator for Walton Options.

He said the program was set for October -- National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Mr. Mosley, who is blind and relies on the assistance of his guide dog, Jayc, said the program has the dual role of helping the candidates learn about the workplace and reminding employers the disabled can be valuable employees.

"The employer will gain an increased awareness of the fact that people with disabilities are an overlooked talent and an untapped labor pool," Mr. Mosley said. "The actual mentees will gain a better understanding of what's necessary to prepare for the world of work and a better understanding of their career interests."

Millie Schumaker, the community relations coordinator for the Family Y, said it employs eight people with disabilities.

She said whenever those who have experienced living with disabilities can help others with the same problem, everyone benefits.

"The compassion and the way the kids relate to them -- because the instructors are disabled -- they are so well received by the children and their parents, as well," said Ms. Schumaker, referring to workers in the adaptive aquatics program.

Reach Adam Folk at (706) 823-3339 or adam.folk@augustachronicle.com.