Monday, August 31, 2009

Chopping and Measuring Made Easy for the Low Vision Chef

The Adjust-A-Measure Cutting Board with Built-in Measuring Cup, available at www.MaxiAids.com, is a handy, accessible kitchen tool with tactile markings that help the blind or visually impaired chef make fast work of cutting and chopping ingredients, measuring them out and transferring them into a bowl, pot or pan.

The raised board lets you cut food and slide it right onto a plate, or into the built-in measuring cup. The measuring cup has tactile markings, so you’ll be able to measure out the right amount of ingredients every time. Simply set dial for amount of food needed; chop food; slide it into opening to measure; remove cup from board and add food to recipe. Item #558010. The cost is $19.98.

For more product details or to order, click here or on the product name above. Visit www.MaxiAids.com to view for more products for the blind and visually impaired.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Ted Kennedy Advocated for Rights of Those with Special Needs

With the death of Ted Kennedy, the many Americans with special needs have lost one of their strongest allies in the government. According to his website, Senator Kennedy has authored more than 2,500 bills throughout his career in the United States Senate, of which several hundred have become law and many of which deal with protecting the rights of those with disabilities.

Being in the independent living business, we at MaxiAids (www.MaxiAids.com) deal on a daily basis with, and count among our staff, people in the various special needs communities including the blind, visually impaired, deaf, hearing impaired, and those with mobility, learning and developmental challenges.

In his many years of public service, Senator Kennedy was a great advocate for the rights of the members of these communities. Perhaps most notable among his accomplishments was his sponsorship of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Below is information from the Senator’s website describing his involvement in the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the ADA, including a quote from Senator Harkin, co-sponsor of the ADA:

In 1988, Senator Kennedy passed amendments to extend the Fair Housing Act of 1968 to
include people with disabilities and families with children. By expanding the law, the amendments prohibited discrimination towards people with disabilities in the sale or rental of housing and in the terms, facilities and services provided. It also sets certain guidelines for remodeling and necessary modifications to a residence for both the landlord and the tenant.

Senator Kennedy was one of the chief sponsors of the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, which ensures that millions of disabled Americans are able to live productive lives free from discrimination in public accommodations and employment. The ADA requires that public facilities accommodate the needs of disabled Americans, and that employers make reasonable accommodations for disabled workers.

Said Harkin, “I was thrilled when I arrived in the Senate to learn that Senator Kennedy ‘one
of the top leaders in the Senate’ shared the same passion. With his help, we were able to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act and began to see real change. The law literally opened doors for people with disabilities, allowing them access to new employment opportunities, access to new places and access to fuller lives. But more importantly, the law began to change how those with disabilities were seen by others. Senator Kennedy has always dedicated his life to helping those who are too often ignored and this is no exception.”

Visit the Disability Rights section of Senator Kennedy’s website for more detailed information about the special-needs related legislation he supported during his decades-long tenure.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

See Fine Details and Read Small Print More Easily with Reizen Magnifiers for Low Vision

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living www.MaxiAids.com has introduced 2 new illuminated handheld magnifiers to complement their comprehensive selection of electronic, handheld and stand magnifiers.

The Reizen 10x Illuminated Handheld Magnifier and the Reizen 15x Illuminated Handheld Magnifier allow low vision users with varying magnification requirements to see the finest details and read the small print on virtually anything! With powerful magnification and a bright white LED light, they are great for a wide range of tasks in your home or at work.

At home, use them to repair jewelry, change batteries in watches and small electronic devices, read product ingredients and see the correct dose on small medication labels. For pleasure, they’re great for hobbies such as stamp and coin collecting. Even curious kids will love being able to see what that insect, leaf or rock really looks like up close. Mechanics, technical support personnel and field service technicians who may need to read serial numbers will also find them invaluable in helping them do their job more accurately, efficiently and easily. Printers and graphic designers can use it to check the quality of proofs and printed items.

These Reizen Illuminated Handheld Magnifiers are compact and easy to take with you. Just slip them into your pocket, backpack or purse, or keep at your fingertips using the convenient carry case with belt loop. The price for each is $24.95.

Click on the product names above or visit www.MaxiAids.com to order.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Braille Labeling Kits from MaxiAids Help the Blind Live More Independently

Two new Braille Labeling Kits available at www.MaxiAids.com give the blind a handy, portable means of marking virtually all the items around them - whether at work, home, school or on the go. These portable kits are great for instantly labeling books, prescription bottles, cans, clothing and countless other items.

The compact Pocket Jumbo Braille Labeling Kit (item 205255) features a durable metal slate with 8 jumbo-size cells and 4 lines. It measures 4 1/8” long X 1 ¾” high. The cost is $16.95.

The ultra compact Pocket Jumbo Braille Labeling Kit (item 207255) features a lightweight, sturdy red plastic slate that’s easily visible for those with low vision. It has 8 standard size cells and 4 lines, and measures 2 ¾” long X 1 ¾” high. The cost is $14.95.

In addition to their unique Braille slates, each kit contains 50 rubber bands, 50 safety pins, 50 blank labels and a stylus. Order them by clicking on the kit names above, or by visiting www.MaxiAids.com.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Record Your Own Personal Alarm Reminders

MaxiAids (www.MaxiAids.com) is pleased to carry the MedCenter Your.Minder Talking Personal Recording Alarm Clock, which allows you to record up to 6 alarms in your own voice. It’s great for diabetics, arthritics, heart patients, Alzheimer’s patients and anyone who takes multiple doses of medications. It can be used by the whole family to set a wake-up alarm, specific reminders throughout the day, or even a personal message to another family member.

You can record any sound of your choice (such as birds chirping), or record a specific message in your own voice, such as:

- "You have a doctor’s appointment at 10:00"
- "Don't forget to take your heart medication"
- "Happy Birthday!"
- "Pick the kids up at the soccer field"

Other features include time announcement at the touch of a button, dual speakers with Loud and Extra Loud settings and a clear, large type lighted date/day/time display. Includes both 2 AA batteries and AC adapter.

Your.Minder is available at Maxi-Aids for $39.95.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Diabetes Patients: Get a Free Coil Magnifier with Your Purchase of a Blood Glucose Monitor, Test Strips, Lancets & Diabetic Supplies from MaxiAids

Many diabetes patients already know about the variety of diabetic products MaxiAids carries, including blood glucose monitors, test strips, lancets, insulin coolers & carriers, non-restrictive socks, reference guides, syringe magnifiers and alarm reminder watches. And they enjoy the lowest available pricing when they shop at www.MaxiAids.com. Now, diabetics can also take advantage of MaxiAids’ current offer of a FREE Coil 5x Sliding Pocket Magnifier with any purchase of $50 or more.

“It’s a great opportunity for those who have diabetes to purchase the supplies they need and get a great bonus on top of it,” says Elliot Zaretsky, founder and president of MaxiAids. Of the Coil 5x Sliding Pocket Magnifier, Mr. Zaretsky says, “This handy little magnifier slips easily into a briefcase, backpack, handbag or even a pocket, and gives you a powerful 5x magnification when you need it.”

But this offer is for a limited time only, while supplies last. No ‘rainchecks’ will be given - once they’re gone, that’s it! So don’t delay, visit www.MaxiAids.com today!

Monday, August 17, 2009

MaxiAids – A Thriving Company in Good Times Or Bad

MaxiAids is a remarkable company expanding on remarkable ideas.

Even in tough times, MaxiAids flourishes because of the nature of the company’s work. MaxiAids, whose president and CEO is Elliot Zaretsky, supplies assistive devices to blind, low vision, deaf, hearing impaired, and mobility impaired customers around the world. The company has a unique perspective on what its client base needs and wants because it employs many challenged people who use those same products.

With more than two decades of experience in helping challenged people gain and retain greater independence, MaxiAids has seen many products come and go. Just as it is with products offered by any company in the world, with the passage of time some of MaxiAids’ products become obsolete and are discontinued. Conversely, some products are so successful and popular that they are kept in the company’s offerings for many years. If necessary, regular upgrades are made to the products to keep up with advances in technology.

Mr. Zaretsky himself has been instrumental in pioneering upgrades to many of the company’s existing products. Here are some examples: The Reizen Talking Automatic Digital Blood Pressure Monitor for the blind uses voice prompts in four languages, helping the blind user monitor their pressure independently. The Money Talks money identifier calls out the value of new or old bills, and the Click Pocket Money Brailler actually imprints the value of a bill onto the bill in Braille. The 3-in-1 Super Cube is a talking clock for the blind. It has no face, but boasts hourly time announcement, a talking calendar and countdown timer, and much more. The Tel-Rx Talking Prescription Recorder is a fresh “take” on the personal recorder. The user can record medication and dosage information, and attach the device to the prescription bottle. The information can be played back, preventing medication mistakes and waiting for long periods for sighted assistance.

On the other end of the spectrum, some of the most successful products are so basic that they don’t need technological upgrades. However, with just a tweak here and there, possibly an expansion on the basic idea behind the product, a new group of products can be developed. Examples of Mr. Zaretsky’s own innovative thinking in this area can be seen in the following products. Reizen Clip And Draw Tactile Drawing Kit with Clip-Style Drawing Board. The EZ Magnifier with Tracker Line is an improvement on the bar magnifier, in that this one has a yellow line along the center of the magnification area, to make visual tracking easier. The Giant-View Clock measures ten inches square, and is available in black numbers on white or the reverse; it is also available with large Braille numbers. And then there are the simple but indispensable Bump Dots. These are acrylic “dots” in round or other shapes that the blind can use to identify and mark appliances, clocks, drawers, and many other items. Touch Dots, which are an offshoot of Bump Dots, are a more tactile product for more specific identification. For leisure time, there are Dominoes with raised tactile dots.

These are just a few of the thousands of products that help make our customers’ lives more independent.
With his quest to continually develop and improve upon his products, Elliot Zaretsky demonstrates that one must keep moving with the times as one lives them. His fresh thinking, innovative ideas and devotion to the company’s mission will keep MaxiAids a successful and growing company for decades to come. - RK

Friday, August 14, 2009

Maxi Touch Dots from MaxiAids Help the Blind Identify Keys, Buttons and Knobs by Touch

Live more safely, easily and efficiently at home! Decrease errors and increase productivity in the workplace! Maxi Touch Dots are tactile, self-adhesive dots that make it easy to identify buttons and keys on almost any household appliance or electronic item by touch. Use on computer and typewriter keyboards, knobs & buttons, tape recorders, telephones, calculators, etc. Simply peel off the backing & apply!

These dots, which have a 1/4" diameter, are extra thick (3mm) so they are distinguishable by touch from thinner dots, thus providing a greater range of marking capability. They come packed 64 dots per package and are available in 10 different colors. The Mixed Touch Dots variety pack contains 64 dots each of all 10 colors.

To order click Maxi Touch Dots or visit www.MaxiAids.com to see a full range of products for the blind and those with low vision.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Latest Winner of MaxiAids 2009 Keep That Catalog Contest Teaches Blind Children

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living has chosen the latest winner of their popular Keep That Catalog Contest, during which a total of $10,000.00 is being given away, according to Elliot Zaretsky, MaxiAids founder and president. “We’re happy to announce that the winner of the $1,000.00 MaxiAids shopping spree for the month of August is Carol S. from Washington State,” announced Mr. Zaretsky.

To win, Carol entered the Keep That Catalog Contest by visiting MaxiAids website at www.MaxiAids.com and was lucky enough to have her name picked at random from contest entries to try and win the monthly prize. Then, in a phone call she was able to correctly answer a question about the current MaxiAids catalog, which features products for the blind and low vision, deaf and hard of hearing, arthritic, diabetic and those with mobility challenges and other special needs.

During her winning phone call, Carol indicated she teaches 21 blind students at North Elementary School in Moses Lake, WA. She became aware of MaxiAids when she was given the task of purchasing canes for the blind.

With 4 more drawings still to go in 2009, you still have time to get in it and win it, like the 6 previous winners have done. View the Contest Rules and Enter Today!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Giant Print BINGO Cards from MaxiAids Help Low Vision BINGO Players Enjoy the Game Again

“The faster you can see the numbers on your card, the faster you’ll be shouting BINGO,” comments Elliot Zaretsky, founder and president of MaxiAids Products for Independent Living. Maxi-Aids recently added a new line of Giant Print BINGO Cards to its extensive selection of BINGO-related accessories, which also includes Braille BINGO boards for the blind.

A long time favorite family game, BINGO has brought countless hours of fun to players of all ages. But for those experiencing vision loss, a game of BINGO can become a frustrating experience where seeing the card becomes extremely difficult. Some players even reach the point where assistance of a second party becomes necessary. “We’re seeing a lot of seniors, especially those who enjoy playing BINGO at their senior centers, as well as an increasing number of baby boomers coming to us for solutions,” says Mr. Zaretsky. “And we’re always happy when we can help make the lives of the the blind and those with low vision a little easier.”

Available in Red, Blue, Green and Yellow, these Giant Print BINGO Cards measure a generous 11” x 17” and feature bold black 1-3/8” high numbers that are easier to see than any other cards you’ll find. They’re made of durable heavy-duty card stock that will last for many games.

Visit www.MaxiAids.com to view other BINGO accessories, as well as thousands of other products for the blind and those with low vision, as well as the deaf and hard of hearing, arthritic, diabetic, as well as those with mobility issues and other special needs.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Read Text on the Computer Screen More Easily with ZoomText Express Screen Magnification Software

Do you find yourself having to squint or lean in to read print appearing on your computer screen? ZoomText Express can help by providing a gentle boost of magnification (up to 2 times) so that hard to read text is larger, clearer and easier to see. You can also apply a soft tint to white areas of the screen or reverse all colors to eliminate glare.

Have trouble finding the mouse pointer and text cursor? ZoomText Express lets you adjust the size and color of the pointer and apply eye-catching locators to the cursor making them easy to see and follow. With the versatile features of ZoomText Express, you can now enjoy using your computer with deserved comfort and ease.

ZoomText Express is available on disk for $59.99 or as a computer download for $49.99. Visit www.MaxiAids.com to view thousands of items designed to support your healthy, active and independent lifestyle.

Monday, August 3, 2009

21st Summer Deaflympics Taipei 2009 Only 32 Days Away

Nearly 4,000 deaf athletes from 81 countries are expected to participate in the 2009 Summer Deaflympics, which will be taking place in Taipei, Taiwan from September 5 to September 15, 2009. The Deaflympics requires its participating athletes to have a hearing loss in their better ear of more than 55 decibels.

More than 150 individual and team events across twenty different sports will be taking place over the course of the games. Included are: Athletics (Track & Field), Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Cycling, Football, Handball, Orienteering, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Water Polo, Wrestling Freestyle, Wrestling Greco-Roman, Karate, Judo and Taekwondo.

The first Deaflympics, originally known as World Games for the Deaf, was held in 1924 in Paris, 28 years after the first-ever Olympic Games in 1896. The first Deaflympics was also the first Games ever held anywhere in the world for athletes with disability.

Learn more about the Deaflympics here. Visit http://www.hearmore.com/ to view more than 6,000 items designed to help the deaf, hard of hearing, blind, low vision, arthritic, diabetic and those with mobility issues and other special needs live more active and independent lives.

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