The deadline is looming for people with a disability and their supporters who want a private session with the royal commission, for what could be a vital opportunity to share stories of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
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Private sessions give people an opportunity to speak directly with one of the commissioners, ensuring information remains confidential.
Anyone wanting to have such a session must register with the Disability Royal Commission by June 30.
"Private sessions are a chance to speak directly with a commissioner about the violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation you, or a person you care about, may have experienced," Your Story Disability Legal Support Director Susannah O'Reilly said.
"As the name suggests, private sessions are a private way to share a story with the royal commission.
"Information you share will be kept confidential for 99 years.
"Private sessions also give you special protections, which prevent someone using information you've shared against you in court and makes it illegal to hurt or disadvantage you."
Your Story National Coordinator and Wirangu/Kokatha woman, Ruth Miller, said help was also available to support Indigenous people to share their stories in a culturally safe way.
"This royal commission is an opportunity to advocate for change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living with disability," she said.
"Our goal is to support people with disability, and their family, friends, carers and advocates, to share their stories and ideas for change in a safe and informed way."
Your Story is a national service that gives free, independent legal advice and support.
It is funded by the Australian Government and delivered through legal aid commissions and community-controlled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services in each state and territory.
Australian Associated Press
