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

Like this hack?

You might also enjoy

Episode 76 – Having Dyslexia and Being in the Government of the United Kingdom with Matt Hancock MP

In this podcast episode, Matt Hancock, known as the UK’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care during COVID-19, shares his experiences as a proud dyslexic in government. He discusses how dyslexic strengths, such as big-picture thinking and communication, aided his rise to senior government positions. Despite now being a backbencher, Hancock remains a vocal advocate for the dyslexic community, introducing the “Dyslexia Screening and Teacher Training Bill” to address their needs. He reveals his late dyslexia diagnosis at 18 while at Oxford University and the support that has guided him through life.

Episode 64 – Effective Reading and Writing and the Power of AI with Russell Van Brocklen

In this podcast episode, we discuss the often-overlooked potential of individuals with dyslexia in improving their reading and writing skills. Our guest, Russell Van Brocklen, founder of Dyslexia Classes, specializes in teaching students, especially those with dyslexia, how to overcome reading, writing, and comprehension challenges. Leveraging his background in Neurological Communications and personal experience with dyslexia, Russell has developed a unique system that not only enhances writing skills but also strengthens reading, organizational abilities, and long-term confidence in motivated dyslexic students.

Host Matthew Head explores the role of AI in bridging the skills gap for individuals with dyslexia. As AI becomes more prevalent, it raises the question of how future job opportunities may favor the strengths of dyslexic individuals. This podcast episode sheds light on the potential for these individuals to excel in a changing landscape.