Local business owner advocates for Cerebral Palsy month, thanks community for support

By BRENDAN MILLER on March 7, 2025.

bmiller@medicinehatnews.com

This month the province is encouraging residents to wear a green ribbon and support local agencies that assist Albertans living with Cerebral Palsy, a permanent physical disability affecting mobility and muscle strength.

Carter Jones, who owns a local car detailing company and has been living with Cerebral Palsy since birth, says despite many challenges throughout life, he has been able to pursue his dreams of owning a business and wants to emphasize the importance of awareness during Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, including the need for community support.

Five years ago Jones started his company Handicapped & Hustlin’, which offers high-end detailing services including vacuuming, steam cleaning, paint repairs, paint corrections and ceramic coatings.

Throughout his life Jones also had a passion for cars. At a young age Jones had aspirations of becoming an auto-mechanic, however due to limitations caused by CP, including being bound to a wheelchair, Jones did the next best thing and founded Handicapped & Hustlin’.

Jones says he enjoys supporting himself as much as possible and is inspired to continue working and growing his company so he doesn’t have to rely as much on government income support.

“One day I want to have a family, I want to be able to support that family without assistance,” he says.

Last summer Jones reached out to the community to help fund a new work vehicle with special modifications to support and allow access with his wheelchair through a GoFundMe campaign.

Although Jones said it was difficult to ask others for help, funds raised from the community allowed him to purchase a new cargo van that is currently receiving modification for wheelchair access.

“I really appreciate everyone’s help. It wouldn’t have been possible without that help.” said Carter.

Carter says without his cargo van he has no other option to get around, as local taxi and ride-share services are not able to transport individuals with large wheelchairs that do not fold up.

“It’s not just me saying this, I know a couple other people and they all say the same things, there isn’t one (taxi service)” he explains.

Issues like these are why Carter says it’s important to raise awareness about CP throughout March.

“Sometimes I have to stand up for myself and advocate; just because I’m disabled doesn’t mean I can’t do this,” says Carter. “I think it takes about two times the effort just to do everyday things a normal bodied person does.”

Jones is promoting CP awareness this month on the Handicapped & Hustlin’ Facebook page.

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