RI man becomes nation’s first deaf recipient of school counseling award

January 11, 2019 11:37 pm

By Jordan Mazza

PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) — Joseph Batiano’s office is filled with superheroes.

And some would say the 2018 Rhode Island School Counselor of the Year is one of them.

“I’m not a superhero,” said Batiano. “I’m only human.”

Batiano is the first Deaf recipient of such an award in the nation.

He says school counselors are often overlooked but can truly shape a young person’s academics, emotional health, and career.

He works with all the students at Rhode Island School for the Deaf, ranging from pre-K through 12th grade.

“Imagine the different issues that may occur from those wide ranges of ages,” Batiano said through interpreter Jonathan Henry. “Plus the deafness itself has its own unique issues. For example, how to deal with communication at home.”

The school’s director, Nancy Maguire Heath, says Batiano helps students develop into well-rounded young people.

“They’re all trying to find their way in addition to their deafness, and so he’s a really good role model,” Maguire Heath said. “They work with someone who’s active in his community, smart, well-educated, has a family – does all kinds of things that are great role models for our kids.”

Batiano says he tries to connect students with role models beyond school walls.

“Our kids have actually interviewed chefs who are deaf, mechanics who are deaf, filmmakers who are deaf, yoga instructors who are deaf. And it’s nice for our kids to see they can be anything. The sky’s the limit.”

As the state winner, Batiano is now a candidate for the national school counselor award.