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 79 – Helping everyone Access the Education they Deserve with Kait Feriante

In this podcast episode, Kait Feriante debunks the misconception that people with dyslexia can’t learn to read or write. Kait, who grew up in Albania and traveled globally, discovered that diverse educational models highlight that learning methods should be tailored to individual needs, especially for neurodiverse students. She emphasizes the necessity for teachers to have a broad educational toolbox to address each student’s unique situation. Kait’s experiences as a teacher revealed the disparity in educational support due to socio-economic differences. To combat this, she co-founded Redwood Literacy, which offers evidence-based reading interventions. Their 50/50 model ensures that 50% of their services fund free education for 50% of their students. As of January 2021, Redwood serves 290 students, with 160 receiving free services. Key topics include learning with dyslexia, individualized education, and challenges in accessing quality support based on socio-economic status.

Episode 66 – Finding Belonging and Navigating Micro-traumas with Devon Lowndes

Discover the impact of micro-traumas on neurodivergent individuals in this episode with host Matt Head and Devon Lowndes, Co-founder of ‘Self Agency.’ Delve into the 1,500 micro-traumas experienced by neurodivergent people during primary school, ranging from dismissive phrases to attacks on self-worth. Devon, who has Dyslexia and ADHD, shares firsthand experiences and emphasizes that while these traumas lack physical scars, they manifest within, affecting all aspects of life. The episode explores the crucial need for belongingness and how it empowers those with dyslexia to thrive. Devon advocates for recognizing the strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to society, calling for understanding and valuing conditions like dyscalculia, dyspraxia, OCD, Tourette syndrome, and more. Uncover insights on navigating challenges, embracing authenticity, and evolving organizational cultures to accommodate neurodiversity. Keywords: belongingness, micro-traumas, neurodiversity, ADHD, dyslexia.