Congressional Testimony on FOA by Family Members

January 22, 2007

Madame Chair and Committee Members

My name is Zachary Feist, from Edgeley, North Dakota.

You may wonder what a kid might have to say about a bill like this. Actually plenty. (he ad lib "not to many ask us")

All kids with disabilities deserve a chance to be all that they can be. Not all kids with disabilities get that chance.

I have seen the looks and felt how kids with disabilities are treated. It is a terrible feeling.

There are plenty of families like mine who have struggled because of the health needs that a child like me may have.

But with a little help, all kids with a disability can be all that we can be.

We can achieve our dreams, because someone believes in us. (Ad lib "Madame Chair, I am asking you and the committee to believe in us")

I am glad that my parents never gave up, didn't give in or I may not be standing here with you today.

I am glad that they didn't listen to the doctors who said I wouldn't be able to do many things.

I think I have done a pretty good job in proving them all wrong and hope to continue to do so. Ad lib (but I wouldn't be able to do it without support or health care)

Ad lib: Sometimes the little people don't get heard. I came here to make sure that we get heard, families need help!!

My hope is that the other families and kids with disabilities in North Dakota will have that chance.

I hope for the other kids you will give them that chance. Thank you

Zachary Feist
Edgeley North Dakota