Two settings & a bonus feature to make your Mac more friendly

Sent in by Chris, he has a few settings that can a Mac more dyslexic friendly.

To get white on black text in apps and menus https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208976

The get your mac to read back any on screen text that is selectable set up this short cut key:
System preferences -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts -> App Shortc…
click “+” (below the list on the right)
Application = “All Applications”
Menu Title= “Start Speaking”
Keyboard Shortcut =
click “add”

Select any text on screen then press the key combination you set up.
Warning, this only works on native MacOS application and if you press the buttons, having not selected text it will read the whole document and won’t stop!

Bonus feature, want to dictate to you mac?
Place the curser where you want the text, double tap the “fn” key and start speaking.
press “fn” once to stop.

More info on dictation here; https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mh40584/mac

Note: Correct as of Mac OS 11.6 Big Sur

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Episode 96 – Assistive Technology Superstore with Lauren Jeffery

use british english
Podcast Episode Excerpt: Navigating Assistive Technology with Lauren Jeffery

Feeling overwhelmed by the myriad options in assistive technology (AT)? You’re not alone. Matthew Head welcomes Lauren Jeffery, Business Development Manager for AT Superstore, to delve into this crucial topic.

Lauren combines her passion for neurodiversity, extensive travels across South and Central America, and her dedicated career in assistive technology to provide insights on making the right AT choices. AT Superstore simplifies the often daunting landscape by offering a user-friendly platform to compare products for diverse needs, including neurodiversity, low vision, hearing impairments, and physical disabilities.

Discover innovations like LexiLens glasses for dyslexia and visual stress, and Tippy Keyboards, designed for one-handed use, and how these technologies can make a tangible difference. Lauren also discusses industry growth, international expansion, and tailored training for organisations.

This episode highlights the profound impact of matched assistive technology and serves as a guide for parents, educators, and individuals seeking the right solutions. Tune in to uncover how the right tools can pave the way to success.

Keywords: assistive technology, AT Superstore, neurodiversity, low vision, hearing impairments, physical disabilities, LexiLens, Tippy Keyboards, Matthew Head, Lauren Jeffery, accessible technology, disability solutions, inclusive tools.

iPhone, YouTube app
YouTube

YouTube is a great resource for dyslexics and non-dyslexics alike,