Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Daniel
Hi Ben, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born deaf, and like many others in the Deaf community, I grew up with limited access to communication. This lack of access created numerous obstacles to overcome throughout my life, but one moment stands out vividly: the birth of my first child, who experienced multiple complications including a prolonged stay in the NICU. This should have been a joyful and monumental experience for me and my wife, yet it became overwhelming and frustrating due to the absence of access to full communication, on top of already stressful moments about our child’s health. I felt lost at a time when I should have felt supported. That experience solidified my determination to ensure that no other Deaf or hard-of-hearing individual would face the same challenges I did.
After this experience, I decided to start 5 Star Interpreting in 2016. I wanted to provide high-quality ASL interpreting services that would bridge the communication gap between Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and those who are unable to communicate in sign language. 5 Star Interpreting was founded with a desire to elevate access, empower the Deaf community, and ensure that everyone can fully participate in life’s most important moments. My journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but overcoming them has only strengthened my commitment to making a lasting impact in the lives of others.
In addition to running 5 Star Interpreting, I am passionate about advocacy and education. I take on speaking engagements on topics like accessibility, leadership, working with interpreters, and building inclusive communities. Through these engagements, I aim to empower others to raise the bar when it comes to communication access and leadership in our communities. Often people are not aware of communication resources available to them when working with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. We work hard to make options available for seamless communication.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced, both personally and professionally, is the widespread lack of understanding about equitable communication and accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. While people may understand the benefit of sign language interpreters, they often overlook the nuances of communication access. We encourage them to avoid the “warm body mentality”. It’s not just about being compliant, it’s about ensuring the interpreter is skilled, culturally competent, and able to facilitate true understanding.
While growing up, and even now as an adult, I encountered situations where people assumed that written notes, lip-reading, asking a colleague with some sign language knowledge to facilitate, or providing partial access to information were “good enough.” These assumptions lead to unequal access in critical moments. During the birth of my first child, a life-changing moment, the lack of effective communication support left me feeling disempowered and disconnected while I watched other parents in similar situations receive full access and empowerment to know exactly what was going on with their children.
Our focus is not only on providing interpreters but also on educating others about the importance of equitable communication. Many still do not realize that effective communication access goes beyond basic interpretation. We work hard to build an environment where Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are fully included, respected, and empowered to participate.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
5 Star Interpreting is an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting service dedicated to providing top-tier communication access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Our co-founders are Ben Daniel, who is Deaf, and Cody Simonsen, who is a child of deaf adults (CODA) and a nationally certified sign language interpreter. Our company is built on a deep, personal understanding of the critical need for equitable communication. Together, Ben and Cody bring unique perspectives from both the Deaf and interpreting communities to ensure that services are effective, inclusive, and culturally competent.
At 5 Star Interpreting, our mission is to guarantee that every interaction, whether in healthcare, legal, education, or daily life, is fully accessible. Beyond providing interpreting services, we also advocate for accessible practices and educate organizations on the importance of effective communication. We believe that communication is a right, not a privilege, and we work tirelessly to eliminate barriers, ensuring that Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are understood, respected, and included.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
At 5 Star Interpreting, we’ve always embraced the belief that taking bold steps is necessary to make a meaningful difference. One of the most significant risks we took was expanding our business through the acquisition of three sign language interpreting companies in 2017, 2018, and 2021. We identified ways to broaden access to high-quality interpreting services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities and were able to expand our reach.
Each acquisition came with its own set of challenges—integrating teams, maintaining our standards of excellence, and ensuring continuity of service. Expanding into new regions, including Utah and Illinois, required a deep understanding of diverse community needs while upholding the core values of 5 Star Interpreting.
These risks have ultimately allowed us to scale our impact. By growing strategically, we’ve been able to create more opportunities for Deaf individuals to access the services they deserve and set new benchmarks for professionalism and quality within the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.5starinterpreting.com
- Instagram: @5starinterpreting
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5starinterpreting/
Image Credits
Headshot was taken by Bella Alder Photography.
