I guess what I'm asking myself is: do I have a right
> to tell this person I'm counseling or mentoring how he/she should feel
> or how he should approach life even though I know nothing about his/her
> disability or problems?   Just a thought

The best mentor LISTENS and helps the mentoree ( ok I need a mentor in
spelling), validates and helps that person come up with solutions
themselves.  I think in social work/psychology it's called active listening.
Joanne