Learned about another iPad "hidden gem" from Apple's Maria Henderson during the LoneStar TIA Conference keynote speech today...speak selection! This accessibility option when enabled will turn your iPad into a text reader in many common apps like Notes, Safari, and iBooks. This is the perfect tool for providing auditory support for students who struggle with reading. To enable this read aloud feature on your iPad, follow the steps below:

1. Go to Settings>General>Accessibility
2. Find Speak Selection and turn it ON
2. Find Speak Selection and turn it ON

3. Find Highlight Words and turn it ON to provide a visual cue to accompany the spoken text.
4. Use the Speaking Rate slider to adjust your preferred speaking rate. Drag towards the turtle icon to speak slower or the rabbit to speed it up. (Hint: Most students will prefer a rate closer to the turtle end of the rate scale).
5. Choose a dialect if desired
4. Use the Speaking Rate slider to adjust your preferred speaking rate. Drag towards the turtle icon to speak slower or the rabbit to speed it up. (Hint: Most students will prefer a rate closer to the turtle end of the rate scale).
5. Choose a dialect if desired

6. Go to an app that supports text such as Notes.
7. Tap a word and then drag the blue grab handles to select the desired text.
7. Tap a word and then drag the blue grab handles to select the desired text.

8. Tap the word Speak that now appears next to the normal Cut, Copy, and Define options.
9. Enjoy listening to the spoken text!
Speak Selection works in native Apple apps.
9. Enjoy listening to the spoken text!
Speak Selection works in native Apple apps.