Accessibility Talk: Blind Penguin at LFNW 2025
Open-source software is built on the idea that technology should be accessible to all. But who does “all” really include? Too often, accessibility is treated as an afterthought rather than an essential feature, leaving many users—especially those with disabilities—struggling to engage with tools that claim to be universal. Ensuring accessibility in open-source software means designing tools that everyone can truly use, regardless of ability.
At Linux Fest Northwest 2025, Blind Penguin’s José Ibáñez will challenge this notion in his talk, Beyond ARIA Labels: What a Blind Film Enthusiast Can Teach Us About Open Source. As a blind developer, José encountered first-hand the barriers that prevent many open-source tools from being fully accessible. His journey led him to create Igloo, a self-hosted, modern media center designed to be fully functional with screen readers and built with accessibility at its core.
The Story Behind Igloo
The inspiration for Igloo came from José’s father, a film enthusiast who meticulously curated a vast movie collection. When José decided to create a digital version of that collection, he quickly ran into a frustrating reality: many “accessible” media centers were anything but. Interfaces that relied on visual navigation, missing screen reader support, and inconsistent keyboard controls made it nearly impossible for him to enjoy something as simple as watching a movie.
Rather than settling for a system that wasn’t built with users like him in mind, José took the open-source approach—he built his own solution. Igloo was developed with Go for the backend, a web app built with React, and mobile and TV clients powered by React Native. Every step of the way, accessibility was a core requirement, not an afterthought.
Accessibility in Open-Source Development
This talk will take attendees through José’s experience and provide practical guidance on making open-source software more inclusive. Topics include:
🔹 Accessibility and Excellence: Why designing for accessibility improves overall software quality.
🔹 Screen Readers in Action: Real-world examples of accessible interfaces.
🔹 The Art of Accessibility: Guidelines that make design simpler and more effective.
🔹 Testing Beyond Code: The importance of hardware tryouts in accessibility testing.
🔹 The Human Element: How building empathy leads to better accessibility design.
🔹 Accessibility Myths Busted: Debunking common misconceptions that hold developers back.
Why Accessibility Matters
Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring that everyone can fully engage with the technology we create. Whether you’re a developer, designer, or open-source enthusiast, this session will challenge you to rethink how inclusive your software really is and provide you with the tools to make it better. Prioritizing accessibility leads to better user experiences, broader adoption, and a stronger, more inclusive tech community.
Make Your Software Accessible with Blind Penguin
Ensuring accessibility in your software isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating inclusive, user-friendly experiences for everyone. At Blind Penguin, we specialize in IT consulting to help businesses develop accessible applications that meet industry standards and user needs. Let’s work together to make your software truly open to all!
🔹 Expert guidance on accessibility best practices
🔹 Audits and improvements for existing software
🔹 Development of inclusive digital solutions
Join Us at Linux Fest Northwest!
If you’re passionate about open-source software and want to build truly inclusive applications, don’t miss this talk at Linux Fest Northwest 2025.
📅 Date & Time: 4/26/2025 2:30 pm
📍 Location: Bellingham Technical College
🌐 Learn more at: https://linuxfestnorthwest.org/
We hope to see you there! Let’s make open-source truly open for all.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
José Ibañez
Despite being blind, José has a clear vision for the future. Blind Penguin's founder and head software engineer, José brings to the team not only the expertise of years of experience but also the knowledge of managing a successful business. When he is not coding, or busy with phone calls, he likes to dedicate himself to his movie collection. Fun and outgoing he will be the heart of our office parties.
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