The disability royal commission will focus on education at its first public hearing, to be held in Queensland next month.
A four-day hearing will be held from November 4 in Townsville, the site of the royal commission's first community forum last month.
Chair Ronald Sackville QC says it is important the inquiry starts its work.
"It is important that we make a start on the complex and important task ahead of us and, in doing so, we will be ensuring any individuals involved in the first hearing are appropriately supported," he said on Monday.
"This includes through the commission's internal counselling and support team, including social workers and counsellors."
Mr Sackville said a national counselling and referral service had started operating, while all witnesses appearing at the first hearing would have access to separate legal representation through a scheme administered by the federal attorney-general's department.
Earlier this month Greens senator Jordon Steele-John, who uses a wheelchair and is a vocal advocate for disability rights, said the royal commission was not ready to hold its first public hearing in early November.
Senator Steele-John said the commission's legal and emotional support services were not yet fully developed and peak disability advocacy organisations needed proper funding to support survivors giving evidence to the inquiry.
Mr Sackville said the first hearing will examine existing education policies and procedures, in particular the Queensland government education system.
It will include a preliminary examination of the state's inclusive education policy and its impact on the experiences of students with disability.
The royal commission's second public hearing will be held in Melbourne some time in December.
Australian Associated Press
