In her speech, Mrs Turia said Mr Martin had made "a huge difference in the way we view others".
She said during her time as an MP she often bumped into Mr Martin at airports as he was on his way overseas to speak to an organisation or attend a conference.
Mrs Turia said Whanganui was proud of Mr Martin: "Not because you have a disability but because you have great ability."
Mr Martin told the gathering he was proud to be elected - although he was disappointed there would be only one woman on the committee.
The areas he particularly wished to focus on were equal rights before the law for people with disabilities; and the end of institutionalisation for people with disabilities.
Mr Martin said he would do his best during his term on the committee: "I'm glad to know I have Whanganui people behind me."