I began using Firefox in 2003, and it has been my primary browser ever since.  I’ve tried, and liked, other browsers; but nothing comes close to Firefox in terms of options that facilitate access.   An extensive range of available add-ons  opens the wonderful world of the Internet to individuals who might otherwise be kept out.

Ira Socol makes a persuasive case here and elsewhere that schools should be compelled to make Firefox available on ALL school computers.  I am encouraged because Firefox is now available to learners in most of the school districts where I work.  Unfortunately, the vast majority of teachers remain unaware of how this can benefit ALL learners.

Acesss Firefox is a helpful site that provides information on Firefox and add-ons that enhance access.   The site exists because, in their words, the Internet is for Everyone.  I noticed yesterday that Access Firefox is now promoting the next big Firefox makeover.  Firefox 4 is still in Beta, but it is available for anyone to download and use.

The advent of yet another new version of Firefox raises a thorny issue in my relationship with the browser.  (There are thorny issues in all close relationships!)  Because add-ons are created and offered by people who volunteer their time and talent, there is often a significant lag between when a new version of the browser and the updates that make the add-ons work with the new version.

So, if you are using Firefox add-ons, don’t be in a hurry to upgrade to the latest version.  I’m testing Firefox 4.  So far, only one of the 3 add-ons that I use most often is compatible.  That’s Theme Font & Size Changer.  The other two–CLiCk,Speak (for text-to-speech) and IE Tab Plus (to use Firefox to access websites that can only be opened with Internet Explorer)–are simply unavailable because they have not been updated.

In my next post,  I’ll highlight Theme Font & Size Changer.  It’s a Firefox add-on that I have found to be incredibly helpful.  It may help you, too,  along with many of the learners you support.