The Disability Royal Commission is investigating violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of people with a disability and wants to hear from people with a disability in all settings including schools, workplaces, jails and group homes as well as from their families, carers, supporters and advocates.

The forums in Mount Isa (Tuesday May 3) and Hughenden (Thursday May 5) are a chance for people with disability and their supporters to discover how they can share their story with the Commission with counselling, advocacy and legal support if required.

At the forums residents can find out more information about the Disability Royal Commission and get advice and support from services funded to help people safely share their story.

The services include:

Lotus Support Services - Queensland-wide, free and confidential counselling service

Your Story Disability Legal Support - free and independent legal information and advice about engaging with the Disability Royal Commission

Evidence to the Commission will be used to develop new systems, procedures and plans for Australia's future and the disability related community.

A spokesperson for Lotus Support Services said around 4.4 million Australians have disability and research shows they are more likely to experience violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation than people without disability.

The Mount Isa session is on Tuesday May 3 at 2pm at the Buffs Club.

The Hughenden session is on Thursday May 5 at 10am at the Diggers Entertainment Centre.

RSVP for either event to: lotussupportservices@micahprojects.org.au or phone 07 3036 4490

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