Education and learning is a key area of inquiry for the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (the Royal Commission). It represents both a setting for violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and an important component of a society that seeks inclusion for people with disability.

This issues paper has been adapted from a background paper that was prepared for an education and learning workshop that took place on 3 October 2019 with representatives from community and disability organisations and education academics. The paper:

1. Summarises two approaches which provide the foundation for the Royal Commission’s consideration of education and learning in Section 1.
2. Outlines the Royal Commission’s preliminary understanding of some of the key issues and barriers faced by people with disability in realising their right to education in Section 2.
3. Discusses the Royal Commission’s Terms of Reference in the context of education and learning in Section 3.

Several questions are included in Section 3 to assist people wishing to provide contributions to the Royal Commission on the matter of education and learning.