Chair of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability Ronald Sackville says there must be greater understanding, empathy and support if Australia is to become a more inclusive society.

The commission has held public hearings for more than 12 months, during which people with a disability have spoken of feeling undervalued, fearful and unsupported.

Mr Sackville says its aim is nothing if not ambitious.

"We seek to transform community attitudes and bring about changes to policies and practices that have exposed people with disability to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and that denied them full and effective participation and inclusion in society," he said.

Commissioner Rhonda Galbally said people with disability face challenges every day in areas such as work, health and education which the general public take for granted.

"It is timely that the royal commission pause and reflect on the work it has done and the work it has yet to do in order to expose injustice and forge a new path in society for people with disability," she said.

Commissioner Alastair McEwin said it was time Australia's reputation of being a welcoming society extended to everyone, especially people with disability who continue to encounter barriers to independence and freedom.

The royal commission was established in April 2019 in response to community concern about widespread reports of violence against and neglect, abuse and exploitation of people with disability.

It was due to end in April 2022, however, Mr Sackville wrote to Prime Minister Scott Morrison on 30 October, asking for extra time to submit its final report in September, 2023.

Australian Associated Press