How to Testify Before the Missouri Autism Commission

 

Time for public testimony will be allowed at each meeting of the Commission. Speakers should plan for testimony that is 3 minutes length. It is recommended that you provide a written copy of your testimony as well. The commission members will likely not respond to your testimony at the meeting, but you should receive a written response.

 

Guidelines for information to give within a testimony:

 

1. State your name and address.

2. State the issue or question that you are testifying about

3. Tell how you have already tried to resolve the issue or get an answer to your question

4. State what you would like the commission to do.

 

Things to avoid when testifying:

 

1. Lengthy background information. Instead, focus on the issue at hand.

2. Talking about an issue without asking for something specific to be done.

3. Angry and dramatic testimony. Instead, focus on presenting the facts.

4. Naming specific persons that you have had problems with. Instead, focus on the general issues,
not the people involved.