# I’m Joining the NFB!
No, this isn’t a joke or just a flashy tagline to get your attention. I am dead serious. I want to join the National Federation of the Blind. I sometimes forget if it's "of" or "for," but I've come to think of it as the "blind MAGA"—the energy here is unmatched!
Me and my beautiful, red-headed Blind Barbie (my amazing wife, Mindy) have been here in Austin since late Friday night, and we have had the absolute time of our lives. Honestly, I want to stay a few more days, but the pennies in the piggy bank are running low, so that might be a stretch.
## 🔊 The Mission: Athina AD
I’m here talking all things audio description via Athina AD. If you already follow me, you’re probably sick of hearing about it by now! But if you're new here, it’s AI-powered video description operating at a 90% plus, accuracy rate, all thanks to Google Gemini and my incredibly talented co-founder, Leo.
## ☕ Meetup & Live Demo Today!
Here is the game plan for today (Monday):
Where: Starbucks on Level 2
When: From 10:00 AM until whenever!
The Big Event: At 11:00 AM, I am running a live demo for a major VIP who must remain nameless for now. If you show up, you get the inside scoop!
Come by, see the tech in action, meet a real-life red-headed Blind Barbie, and learn all about the incredible work we are doing.
## 🤝 How You Can Support
Part of why I’ve been raising funds is to bring this tech and advocacy to events all over the country. I’d love to stretch this trip out a couple more days to truly connect, listen, and learn what it’s like to be blind, deaf, or a stroke survivor. If you know me, well... you just know.
If you want to keep us on the ground and moving this mission forward, you can chip in here:
Link in the comments.
Cash App:
$txkeen
### ♿ The Verdict?
Look, even when I officially join the NFB, I’m not giving up my airport wheelchair rides, and you still won’t catch me sitting in the emergency exit row. But I promise you this: I am going to be a darn good advocate.
We’ve spent the last few years hanging out in the old folks' home—which is cool for a game of checkers—but let me tell you, the NFB is where it's at.
Come join us at Starbucks today. I’ve got a lot to talk about, and I’ll hang out as long as it takes.
Peace,
Shawn
#NFB26 #BlindCommunity #AudioDescription #Accessibility #AthinaAD #TechForGood #BlindAdvocacy #AustinEvents #VibeCoding #InclusionMatters
gofund.me/feaad2ddd
