Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability – first public hearing, draft accessibility strategy, community forums

First Public Hearing

On 16 September 2019, the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability will hold its first public sitting. This will take place in Brisbane, and you can register to attend here. At the same time as it is scheduling the first public sittings, the Commission will also be scheduling and conducting a series of community forums around the country.

The Commission’s draft Accessibility Strategy

The Commission has published its draft Accessibility Strategy. Importantly, the Strategy includes a commitment that the Commission will provide transport, interpreters and specialist supports so that people with disability can fully engage with the Commission regardless of their individual challenges or location. Noting that First Nations People with disability may “often face…barriers to accessing disability support services”, the Commission has committed to “consult about and adapt” its processes to ensure a “high level of understanding, awareness and involvement amongst First Nations People”. The Commission is asking for feedback about its draft Accessibility Strategy to be submitted before 13 September 2019. The draft Strategy is available here.

Community forums

The Commission is currently scheduling community forums to be held across the country. These will be opportunities for people with disability to provide feedback about their experiences or knowledge of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability. The next scheduled forum is in Townsville on 9 September 2019. You can register at this link or by telephoning 1800 517 199