* The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability aims to ensure those with disabilities are given the same rights and opportunities as those without

* Ronald Sackville will chair the commission

* A number of hearings will be held around Australia over three years

* Interim report October 2020 and final report by end April 2022

* Cost $528 million, including funding for support and counselling for people sharing their experiences

WHAT WILL IT INVESTIGATE?

* The commission will explore all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation in all settings

* These include homes, schools, sporting clubs, workplaces, group homes, prisons, hospitals, aged care and mental health facilities

WHAT IS HAPPENING THIS WEEK?

* A four-day hearing is being held this week in Townsville, with a focus on the Queensland state education system

* It will examine the state's inclusive education policy and its impact on and the experiences of students with disability

WHO IS GIVING EVIDENCE?

* Parents of children with disabilities who attend mainstream and special schools

* Teachers, school principals and special education service specialists

* University professors

* The Queensland Teachers Union

* Youth disability advocacy groups

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

* The commission will next sit for four days in Melbourne in December.

Australian Associated Press