Our founders, Ben Daniel and Cody Simonsen, both drew upon first-hand experiences
when establishing 5 Star Interpreting with one goal in mind: communication access for all.
Born deaf and raised in a world where effort determined communication, Ben Daniel‘s journey reflects the struggles and triumphs of breaking down barriers. Navigating a challenging path, his frustration grew during medical challenges related to the birth of his first child. Ben and his wife felt the limitations of an interpreting system that often fell short, leaving them in the dark.
Desperate for accurate information on his child’s progress, Ben’s determination intensified. His personal frustration evolved into a mission to enhance the interpreting landscape for the entire Deaf community. Recognizing the need for change, he sought to involve the community in shaping interpreter services according to their needs. His vision aims to transform uncertainty into comfortable access to vital information.
As Ben’s journey unfolded, Cody Simonsen found himself deeply immersed in an interpreting course, exploring the roots of the interpreting profession. Growing up with Deaf parents, he intimately grasped the unique challenges the Deaf community faced. Seeing his parents battle these challenges head-on, Cody felt a strong urge to enhance communication and accessibility.
Delving into the history of ASL interpreting, Cody stumbled upon a critical truth: the Deaf community once held the authority to choose their interpreters. However, as time went on, language agencies gradually chipped away at this power, resulting in mistreatment and neglect of Deaf individuals. Fueled by this sense of injustice, Cody resolved to pursue a career in ASL interpreting, driven by his vision for an agency that champions collaboration with the Deaf community.
Today, Cody proudly boasts a National Interpreter Certification, carrying a wealth of experience to 5 Star. His journey stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to empowering the Deaf community. He fosters communication that goes beyond mere words, nurturing an environment of understanding, cooperation, and progress.
5 Star Interpreting has grown to serve the states of Utah, Idaho, and Illinois. Ben and Cody’s unwavering passion to elevate communication access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities with sign language interpreters continues to shine through.
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