Jim Martin knows what it’s like to be disabled.
Martin was born with a paralyzed right arm, a birth defect known as brachial plexus birth palsy, or Erb’s palsy, caused by injury to the upper group of the arm’s main nerves.
But it hasn’t stopped the Tallassee man from living his dream.
Martin has formed a business called Medi Rides, which will begin operation in May and will be based in the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce’s Innovation Center.
“What we do is we provide transportation to and from medical appointments or any appointments for elderly and disabled individuals dealing with medical issues – doctor’s appointments, dialysis, cancer centers, grocery stores, pharmacies,” said Martin. “If they need to go to a funeral or a wedding or other family engagement, we provide transportation for that, as well as for veterans and expectant mothers.”
Martin said his company accepts all major insurance as well as Medicare and Medicaid.
Martin will transport his customers in the comfort of one of two Ford Transit wheelchair accessible, American Disabilities Act-approved vans and will begin operations on May 1.
“Wetumpka will be my base,” Martin said. “Tallassee will be a satellite office (operating out of Community Hospital). I have a Public Service Commission motor carrier certificate to be able to transport. I was granted authority by PSC in Elmore, Tallapoosa, Macon, Montgomery, Autauga and Jefferson counties.”
Martin said the Jefferson County authority was largely needed for those patients who require care at UAB Hospital.
“Those who need different types of specialty doctors may have their doctors in Birmingham at UAB and we’ll be able to take them there,” Martin said.
Martin’s business will also be bringing additional jobs to the Wetumpka area. He said he’ll likely hire four people at the start.
“We will be hiring, probably four people to begin with,” Martin said. “Three drivers and an office manager.”
Martin, whose business was partly funded by a grant from the Alabama Department of Rehabilitative Services’ self-employment program, said his own disability was a main motivator in his desire to serve the disadvantaged groups.
“It’s my way of giving back and helping others with disabilities or who are facing other challenges in their life in reference to their becoming better contributors to their communities by allowing them to have adequate transportation to medical appointments and grocery stores or to maybe go pay a bill,” Martin said. “If that helps them have a better quality of life, I can provide them the needed transportation. Especially those who live in rural communities. Especially the elderly who live in rural communities and don’t have transportation who need to go vote or whatever it may be, we’ll be there to take them.”
After he becomes established in Elmore County, Martin said he is already looking to expand his services to Coosa County.
“There is a large underserved population in Coosa County,” Martin said. “But first, we need to get established here in Elmore.”
