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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In this episode, we explore how mind mapping assists individuals with dyslexia in organizing their ideas. Dyslexic individuals often have brilliant ideas but struggle to structure them coherently. Mind mapping helps visualize these thoughts, making it easier to organize them into text or presentations. Assistive technology has evolved from basic PC tools to advanced AI-driven solutions, offering limitless possibilities for mind mapping.

Host Matthew Head is joined by Chris Collier, Director of Assistive Technology at OpenGenius. Chris’s journey began as an English teacher in South Africa, where he encountered neurodiverse students and learned about Dyslexia. He became an expert in Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and assistive technology, eventually leading him to his current role at OpenGenius. Chris shares insights on how AI-powered mind mapping, through tools like Ayoa, is revolutionizing education and workplace productivity for everyone.