Derek Point
Synopsis
Through his work with Melwood, Derek Point has grown into a highly skilled general maintenance professional. Point, who is deaf, has mastered technical trades, earned forklift certification, and become a trusted, adaptable team member. Known for his perseverance, humility, and commitment to continuous learning, he exemplifies how people with disabilities can excel, inspire colleagues, and make meaningful contributions to their organizations and the broader community.
The Full Story
Derek Point's work with Melwood is a true reflection of the growth, dedication, and impact that employing people with disabilities can create over time. During his 23-year career as a utility worker and then a highly valued general maintenance worker, his contributions are essential for daily operations across the facility. Deaf since birth, he has built a reputation among colleagues and supervisors for his reliability, strong work ethic, and commitment to continuous learning.
Three years ago, Point was promoted into his current role and expanded his skills and responsibilities. Since then, he has developed experience in carpentry, drywall repair, painting, minor electrical work, and HVAC support. He also assists with larger maintenance projects, including plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, chiller tube cleaning, pump replacements, and motor bearing maintenance. More recently, he earned his forklift certification to help manage large deliveries and support operations beyond traditional maintenance work.
"Derek chose resilience, determined to prove he can do the work," says Stephen Hall, project manager at Melwood. That simple mindset has guided Point throughout his work. Earlier in his career, he experienced workplaces where his deafness led to limited opportunities and a lack of respect for his abilities. Rather than becoming discouraged, he focused on demonstrating what he could accomplish and continued to take on new challenges.
Point’s steady growth reflects a strong commitment to learning. Working alongside stationary engineers, he has absorbed complex technical knowledge while contributing to critical infrastructure maintenance that keeps the facility running smoothly. His willingness to expand his skills, even after decades on the job, has made him an essential member of the team.
Today, Point is widely recognized for his reliability, adaptability, and positive influence in the workplace. Colleagues and supervisors describe him as indispensable, and his story recently reached a wider audience when he was selected as the face of Melwood's Disability Awareness Month campaign on social media. Through more than two decades of dedication and growth, Point continues to demonstrate how opportunity, persistence, and skill development can lead to meaningful impact for individuals, teams, and the mission they support.
The mention of the U.S. Government in this article does not imply endorsement by the government of the product or service provided by the nonprofit agency to the government.
