​

• Keep it brief. Limit your testimony to 2-3min. Do your best to stick to the issue at hand---getting insurance coverage for therapies. How would this impact you, your child, or your clinic? 

• Don't repeat. Share your story and experience, but if someone has already gone into details about the difference between educational and medical therapy or some other topic, please don't repeat the explanation.

• Be positive. Don't come ready to attack. Share the raw, not-so-pretty details, but keep things as positive as possible.

• Be prepared. You can write your testimony, but please try to share your story without reading it word for word. You may submit written testimony even if you choose to testify in person. You might want to write out your testimony in case you decide not to share last minute or if they run out of time. 

• Dress professionally. Wear nice clothing, but comfortable shoes. You might even want to bring a change of shoes for down times.

• Understand the legislation. There has been some misunderstanding which we want to clarify. This bill would require insurance to cover therapies for individuals with developmental disabilities. It will not eliminate your deductible, but insurance would cover therapies once the deductible has been met. Co-pays would still exist. Don't testify for something which the bill doesn't do.

• RELAX. Really, the legislators are on your side. They want to hear from "regular" people. Smile and tell your story.