10 Mac Features That Can Help With Dyslexia and Dyspraxia

You don't need specialist software to make a Mac more comfortable to use. macOS includes tools that can help with reading, writing, organisation and coordination. They're all free and already installed.

Everyone is different, so treat this as a menu. Try each one and keep what helps.

Reading

1. Have text read aloud

Listening while you read can make long text easier to take in.

Go to System Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content (called Read & Speak on some versions) and turn on Speak selection. Select any text and press Option + Escape.

Click the ⓘ and turn on Highlight content so each word is highlighted as it's spoken.

2. Strip the clutter from web pages

Safari's Reader removes adverts, menus and pop-ups and shows only the article.

Press Shift + Command + R on an article page. Click the Aa (or Reader) button in the address bar to change the font, text size and background colour. A cream or grey background with a larger, clear font suits many dyslexic readers.

3. Add a colour tint to the screen

Some people find a coloured overlay makes text steadier and easier to read.

Go to System Settings > Accessibility > Display, turn on Colour filters, choose Colour Tint, and pick a colour and intensity.

4. Make text bigger and clearer

In System Settings > Displays, choose a Larger Text option. In Accessibility > Display, turn on Increase contrast for bolder outlines.

For one-off help, turn on Hover Text under Accessibility > Zoom. Hold Command and point at any text to see it enlarged.

Writing

5. Write by talking

If spelling or typing gets in the way of your ideas, say them.

Turn on Dictation in System Settings > Keyboard. Press the microphone key and speak. Say "comma", "full stop" and "new paragraph" as you go.

6. Let your Mac catch spelling mistakes

In System Settings > Keyboard, click Edit… next to Input Sources and check that Correct spelling automatically is on. Turn on Show inline predictive text too, if it's offered. Your Mac will suggest the rest of a word as you type.

To check a single word, right-click it for spelling suggestions, or choose Look Up for a definition.

7. Create shortcuts for words you find tricky

In System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacements…, add short codes that expand into full words or phrases. For example, nec can become "necessary" and myadd can become your full address.

Coordination and control

8. Make clicking and dragging more forgiving

These help if fine hand movements are difficult:

• Slow the double-click. Go to Accessibility > Pointer Control and adjust Double-click speed.
• Three-finger drag. Go to Pointer Control > Trackpad Options…, turn on Use trackpad for dragging and choose Three-Finger Drag. You can then drag without pressing down.
• Bigger pointer. Go to Accessibility > Display and adjust Pointer size.
• Tap to click. Go to System Settings > Trackpad.

9. Make the keyboard more forgiving

In System Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard:

• Sticky Keys lets you press shortcuts one key at a time.
• Slow Keys ignores brief accidental presses.

In System Settings > Keyboard, lengthen Delay until repeat to stop repeated letters.

Focus and organisation

10. Cut out distractions

• Focus silences notifications while you work. Open Control Centre > Focus, or hold Option and click the clock.
• Reduce motion (in Accessibility > Display) calms the screen's animations.
• Full screen hides everything except what you're working on. Click the green button in a window's corner.
• Reminders and Calendar alerts take the pressure off your memory. Ask Siri: "Remind me to send the form at 3pm."

Where to start

Pick the one thing that frustrates you most:

Wrapping up

These features are free, and switching one on changes none of your files. Try one this week, give it a few days, and build from there.