Redeem Gift Cards Now Using the Device Camera

Accessibility SupportsiOS7 FeaturesiPad UseLow Vision Supports
Written By Janice Reese

Exploring some of the (200+) new features and functions available in Apple’s newest system upgrade has proven to be a lot like piecing together a puzzle and finding little surprises you did not expect to see in the big picture.  While all of the user interface changes were designed to simplify tasks for the masses, many will prove to be especially helpful for users with disabilities.My iOS7 Tip-Of-The-Day:We no longer have to type in those ridiculously long redemption codes from the back of the iTunes gift cards!  One of the new functions in iOS7 allows you to take a photo with the device’s camera (front or rear) to input this information. To redeem the gift card, just go to the iTunes store, make your purchase (app, book or music) and choose the option to “redeem the card with the camera”.  Use the camera to take a picture of the back of the gift card and the code is automatically entered for you.  This new feature will certainly be helpful for users with low vision or fine motor problems!Apple offers these tips:

  • If the room isn't lit well enough, your gift card may not be readable.
  • Completely peel off the coating that is hiding the gift code to improve readability.
  • If you receive this message, you can type in your iTunes Gift Card code manually.

camera code error

 

Janice Reese

My name is Janice Reese and I LOVE assistive technology! I worked as an Occupational Therapist for more than 15 years, earned a Master’s degree in Education Technology, and I’m RESNA certified as an Assistive Technology Profession (ATP). I have worked in the school system for many years now and I love using technology to enhance the lives of children with disabilities. Since my first love is teaching, I’ve spent just as much time training wonderful teachers everywhere to use these tools in their classrooms. AT4Kids, llc was founded in 2008 in an effort to provide quality instruction and resources for teachers, therapists, student users and parents who wanted to know more about using AT.

I currently serve as Director of the Center for Assistive Technology, a state-supported program of the Little TN Valley Educational Cooperative. LTVEC is a non-profit agency whose goal is to provide rehabilitation services and accessibility supports for students with special needs in east Tennessee. My AT4Kids blog is designed to be as a one-stop resource for ideas and information for those wanting to learn more about the use of AT with children in the special education setting.

I hope to offer helpful hints, program and product reviews, AT recommendations, links to great new finds on the web, and lists of resources for “all things AT”.

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