 More recently, Mantis has developed and taught a Speakers School for vulnerable adults, such as people living in poverty, single moms, First Nations and Métis people, people with disabilities and the unemployed, in order teach skills the disadvantaged may use to have more control over their lives and address social inequities.He is founding chair of the board of directors of the Speakers School in Thunder Bay.Mantis has received the national Judge George Ferguson Award for "contributing in an outstanding way by enabling equality and full community participation for people with physical disabilities throughout Canada.