Empowerment Therapy

SENATOR J. CLEMENT CICILLINE
PO Box 3383 Newport, Rhode Island
District 50
Room 308, State House Providence, Rhode Island 02903

I want to offer my most enthusiastic support of Brian J. Hubbard, LICSW, as a speaker, albeit an ambassador for persons with disabilities. Brian's life story is nothing short of heroic. He has encountered more obstacles than any thousand other people have and he has mastered all of them.

I regard Brian's experiences as both instructional and inspiring. His presentations are always timely, relevant, and interesting. The sincerity of his delivery and his recall of how he has managed the many challenges he has faced really connect with audiences.

I think Brian has been exactly the right role model for people who have some form of impairment. He can readily relate of his own difficulties and frustrations and how he has used outside resources or drawn from his own inner strength to overcome these problems.

In my view, Brian identifies with people in need through his life experiences and through his dynamic style of delivery. He offers meaningful and thought-providing insights in a sensitive and caring manner, such that everyone is both captivated by and appreciative of what this man has accomplished.

Brian also symbolizes hope. If there is one thing that all people with disabilities share in common, it is despair. Brian has been there and back. He knows what it's like to agonize over loss, but he also knows that barriers can be overcome through determination. He gives people the greatest therapeutic gift of all - hope.

I extend my highest commendation to Brian in his quest to bring the message of empowerment, recovery, and hope to people with disabilities. He is just the right person to fulfill this important role.

All good wishes,

Sen. J. Clement Cicilline District 50 – Newport
Committee an Finance
Committee on Health, Education and Welfare
Chair, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission