Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Daylight Magnifier Clamp Lamp Provides Magnification Plus Light for Low Vision

MaxiAids Product News! As attractive as it is functional, the Daylight Slimline Magnifier Clamp Lamp is a great tool for readers and hobbyists, especially those with low vision. Its sleek chrome look will blend perfectly into almost any décor, and an efficient 22-watt low heat, flicker-free Daylight™ tube (100w equivalent) provides bright natural light, improving clarity and reducing eyestrain. Two included lenses provide your choice of either 1.75x (3 diopter) or 2.25x (5 diopter) magnification to suit your individual low vision needs, giving you the boost you need to see fine details more easily.

Other features include a slimline head, adjustable internal spring arm and table clamp, which together allow you to adjust the lamp into the ideal position for whatever task is at hand. Uses include reading fine print; hobbies such as stamp and coin collecting; sewing and other needlework; skincare, nails, beauty and healthcare; watch battery replacement; jewelry repair; arts & crafts and countless other tasks around the home or office. Color: Chrome. Item #672234. Cost: $64.95.

Get more information or order the Daylight Magnifying Clamp Lamp for Low Vision, or visit MaxiAids at www.MaxiAids.com to view more items for the visually impaired and those with low vision.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

See the Moon and the Stars More Clearly Than Ever!

The Vivitar 60x/120x Zoom Refractor Telescope, available at MaxiAids, offers interchangeable 60x and 120x eyepiece lenses and a mirrored diagonal eyepiece for an easier, more comfortable viewing position. Featuring glass optics for optimum clarity, it was designed to provide sharp, clear viewing of distant objects. It’s great for stargazing, viewing wildlife and cityscapes, and more. Other features include a 3x finder scope to locate objects faster and a full-sized adjustable tripod that sets up quickly and easily. It’s lightweight and durable with an aluminum barrel. Convenient screw-type allows for easy assembly without tools. Color: Silver/Black. Telescope measures 22-1/4” Long x 2-1/2” Diameter. 1-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty.

View this telescope now or visit www.MaxiAids.com to see more low vision and magnification products.

Monday, September 28, 2009

There's Still Time to Enter MaxiAids $10,000 Keep That Catalog Contest

Just a reminder that The MaxiAids $10,000 Keep That Catalog Contest is still on -- you still have a few chances to win a $1,000 MaxiAids Products for Independent Living shopping spree. Winners are chosen every month, and it runs through December. Enter here or go to www.MaxiAids.com

Friday, September 25, 2009

New From Reizen… and only at MaxiAids! The Perfect Talking Watches for the Blind and Those with Low Vision

Looking for a talking watch? Would it be a bonus for you if this talking watch were also water-resistant? Well, look no further. The new line of versatile Reizen Digital Analog Water-Resistant Talking Watches, great for the blind, visually impaired and those with low vision, offer three ways to tell the time, plus you can wear them throughout the day without concern about getting it wet! Simply press a button to have the time announced in a pleasant female voice. Time is also displayed on the LCD, or can be read from the traditional analog clock face.

Reizen Digital Analog Water-Resistant Talking Watches come in 4 colors: Black, Blue & Red, Yellow and Orange. And there’s even a Spanish Talking version. This sports watch is water-resistant and can withstand incidental contact with water, such as rain and washing your hands. It’s perfect for all active lifestyles and will be especially appreciated by the blind and visually impaired. Other features include an hourly chime, alarm with snooze and a sweep second hand. The cost is $24.95.

Visit www.MaxiAids.com for more information or to order.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

MaxiAids Brings Back Hoyle Super Jumbo Playing Cards for Low Vision Customers

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living (www.MaxiAids.com) has once again shown that even in these difficult economic times, its focus remains on customer satisfaction. Upon learning of his customers disappointment that Hoyle Super Jumbo Playing Cards had been discontinued, MaxiAids president and founder Elliot Zaretsky took it upon himself to make sure these customers got the product they wanted. He contacted the manufacturer and, investing MaxiAids own resources, worked with them to bring this item back for a special run.

This scenario is just one example of how MaxiAids is willing to go the extra mile for their customers. “It is important to see beyond the item itself,” says Mr. Zaretsky, “and to think of how a seemingly simple item can have an impact on someones life.”

“Some might question my spending so much time and effort on playing cards,” he continues, “but to those with low vision, this deck of Jumbo Playing Cards, which have 1” bold numbers that are easier to see, can mean the difference between them being able to go out and socialize over a friendly game of cards, or instead sitting alone at home.”

“We’re in a unique situation,” explains Mr. Zaretsky. “Our customers count on us for products that will help them enjoy easier, more active and independent lifestyles, and we take that responsibility seriously. I never underestimate the importance of any single customer or any one of their requests.” That’s probably why over the past 23-plus years, MaxiAids has grown to become the industry-leading supplier of products for those with special needs.

MaxiAids is now offering Hoyle Super Jumbo Playing Cards at new, even lower prices. A single deck (item #48615) is only $2.89 and a twin pack (item #48625) is only $5.69. Visit www.MaxiAids.com to view more items for those with low vision.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The Future of Digital Handheld Recorders is Now

The new Olympus Digital Voice Recorder with Dictation offers advanced professional recording and dictation functions... and security like you've never seen before. It is actually equipped with a biometric fingerprint security lock that ensures only you will have access. Also available is a model with a password security lock.

Visit www.MaxiAids.com for more information.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

MaxiAids' Accessible Version of Super Scrabble Deluxe Edition is Modified for Low Vision

With Super Scrabble Deluxe Edition (Modified Version), an accessible and enhanced version of America’s favorite word game, the whole family will be able to join in on the fun like never before! Maxi-Aids has taken this great game and packaged a modified version with special tiles for the benefit of those who may have difficulty seeing the standard wood tiles.

IT'S EASY TO SEE AND PLAY. The tiles are bright white with letters printed in bold black ink, so the visually impaired can see them more clearly. Adding to the ease of viewing for all players is the Rotating Game Board. The rigid, durable plastic board has ball bearings built into the bottom, allowing it to be rotated 360 degrees. This allows players to get the optimum position to view the board and to reach and place tiles more easily. And its Raised Grid design, with raised lines for each grid on the board, makes it easier to put tiles in place and it keeps them in place even if the game board is accidentally bumped.

ENHANCED FEATURES FOR MORE FUN. The Super Scrabble Deluxe Edition also features 200 Letter Tiles (compared to 100), allowing you to make more words and to make your Scrabble games more interesting; It has 441 Spaces on the board (compared to 225); 125 premium scoring spaces (compared to 61).

Includes: 441 Space Rotating Game Board with raised plastic grid, 200 Low Vision Plastic Letter Tiles, 4 Wood Tile Racks, Drawstring Cloth Bag for letter storage, Score Pad and Super Scrabble Booklet with rules, history and tips. For 2 to 4 Players, Ages 8 to Adult. Game board measures approximately 19-1/4” x 17-5/8”.

Order it here (Item # 401105 for $49.95) or visit www.MaxiAids.com for more items for those with low vision and other special needs.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Summary of 21st Summer Deaflympics Taipei 2009: Russia Tops Medal List, USA Ranks 7th

The 21st Summer Deaflympics, which took place from September 5-15 in Taipei and drew deaf athletes from around the world, is over and the medal tallies are in. The Russian Federation topped the overall medal list with a total of 98 medals on its behalf, and having more in each category (29 Gold, 41 Silver and 28 Bronze) than any other country. Ranking 2nd was the Ukraine with 67 medals, followed by the China with 38 and Korea with 33 medals. The USA ranked 7th with 10 Gold, 5 Silver and 7 Bronze medals for a total of 22.

A highlight for the USA was the men's basketball team’s extension of its Gold medal streak to 14, culminating in a 90-73 victory over Lithuania. The team has won every Gold medal since basketball was introduced to the Games in 1957. The US team’s effort was led by Robert Haney Jr. who sank a team-leading 30 points. In comparison, the leading scorers for the Lithuanian team (Robertas Puzinas and Janis Skakun) combined for 41 points, accounting for more the half of the team's total.

Visit the Official Site of the 21st Annual Deaflympics for a full medal list by country.

Easier Driving for Those with Arthritis

Palm Rests were designed to make driving easier for those with arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel or any challenges affecting mobility or causing pain in the arms hands or fingers. They provide hand support on the steering wheel and reduce muscle effort up to 76%.

The stylish Palm Rests (MaxiAids item #507278) blend right in with your steering wheel. Simply attach them and drive in comfort. Drive for longer distances with less pain and stiffness. Plus, with simple tools-free installation and removal, they can be easily transferred between different vehicles.

Order them by clicking Palm Rests or visiting www.MaxiAids.com

Friday, September 18, 2009

Earn Money with the MaxiAids Affiliate Program!

The MaxiAids Affiliate Program gives you a chance to earn some (and potentially a lot) of extra income. Use your website to refer prospective customers to www.MaxiAids.com. The more traffic you send, the greater your chances to increase your earnings! JOIN NOW and take advantage of our generous 20% INTRODUCTORY AFFILIATE COMMISSION RATE!

Simply complete our Affiliate Program Application now and once you’re approved, you’ll be able to put a link to www.MaxiAids.com on your website. You’ll get a high introductory 20% commission on any purchases made by customers that come to us through your website. (Note: This rate will be re-evaluated after the first month and periodically thereafter. Certain products do not qualify for the 20% commission and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.)

We have partnered with the Affiliate Tracking Network (www.affiliatetracking.com), a veteran of affiliate programs, to bring you the best possible experience. For complete terms and conditions, click JOIN NOW and read the MaxiAids Service Agreement.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Blind and Deaf Students Get Vocational Training at MaxiAids

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living (www.MaxiAids.com) is happy to be running a vocational training program at their Farmingdale, NY facility. The participants are blind and deaf students from Helen Keller Services for the Blind in Sands Point, NY. The program gives the children the opportunity to learn a skill and to experience the operation of a real business.

The MaxiAids facility serves as the company’s executive offices, customer service center, and distribution center, shipping product all over the world. They manufacture and distribute a wide range of products: from Braille watches for the blind to alerting devices for the deaf – from magnifiers for low vision to amplified telephones for the hard of hearing – from easy-grip utensils for the arthritic to blood glucose meters for diabetics.

The kids get to see the whole business in action and meet some of the blind and deaf individuals who are among MaxiAids workforce. They also participate in the assembly of products that ultimately go to children like themselves (or adults) who have a special need.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Brailled Playing Cards for the Discreet Card Player

There are a number of decks of playing cards available for blind and visually impaired card players that are commonly brailled in 2 corners. Braille Playing Cards: Brailled One Corner Only, available at MaxiAids offer another option for players who desire a more discreet marking.

These cards are brailled in one corner only with the suit and face value/card number. This deck is great for those who want to play their hand “close to the vest” and avoid the chance that others may be able to see and recognize the Braille markings. The cost is $6.95. MaxiAids item number is 402772.

Click here for more information or to order. Visit www.MaxiAids.com to view more products for the blind and visually impaired.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

A Little Help in the Kitchen! New Cooking Aids Mean Less Mess, Less Waste for Home Chefs

Two new products available at www.MaxiAids.com promise to help the home chef enjoy a neater, safer cooking experience with less mess and less waste.

The 3-in-1 Splatter Screen, Pot Strainer and Trivet is a unique and versatile multi-functional cooking helper that will protect you and your kitchen surfaces from the messy and potentially dangerous splatter that can occur, especially when cooking with butter or oil, or when frying bacon. When it comes time to drain water from a pot or pan, such as from cooked vegetables or pasta, it’s a handy strainer. And after the pots are all off the stove, it even serves as a handy trivet for hot pots, pans and bowls. The 3-in-1 Splatter Screen, Pot Strainer and Trivet (item #556001) is priced at $19.95.

With the cleverly designed Pot Drainer, you can easily drain water from pots and pans without making a mess, scalding your hands with hot water or accidentally spilling food into the sink. Simply place the drainer over the edge of the pot or pan and tip it. The water will run through the holes in the strainer/drainer but the food will stay inside. The Pot Drainer (item #558012) is available for $4.95.

To order either the 3-in-1 Tool or the Pot Drainer, click on the item name. Visit www.MaxiAids.com to see a large assortment kitchen helpers and other items for independent living.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Nick Jonas Puts a (Very Public) Face to Juvenile Diabetes

Nick Jonas, who along with older brothers Kevin and Joe forms the Jonas Brothers, was 13 years old when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes. The disease, which hampers the body's ability to move the glucose contained in food into cells throughout the body, affects more than 1 million Americans. Now 16, Jonas has become a vocal advocate for continued funding of research to find a cure for the disease.

Jonas this past June testified before Congress for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International. Through the Jonas Brothers' Change for the Children Foundation he established a JDRF research grant aimed at improving the lives of, and ultimately finding a cure for, children and adults living with type 1 diabetes.

See more about Nick Jonas’ Congressional testimony (including photos) on the JDRF website here.

Visit www.MaxiAids.com to view products designed to help those with diabetes live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Friday, September 11, 2009

VoiLa is Back – Exclusively at MaxiAids! The One and Only Voiced Label System with Tactile Labels for the Blind

Record voiced labels to help you easily identify items! The VoiLa Voiced Labeling System gives the blind greater independence, and it’s the only system that uses railed, guided tactile labels that are easy to located and scan. Now you can identify items quickly and easily… every time!

VoiLa allows the user to record voiced labels and attach them to virtually any item in the home or office, then reads them back on demand for easy identification of the items. From medicine and vitamin bottles to canned food, from CDs and DVD’s to clothing, and everything in between – label everything and see how much easier daily living can be!

VoiLa, a Maxi-Aids exclusive, is a voice output bar code reader labeling system that consists of reusable labels that are attached to items, and a pen-shaped device with a sapphire lens or "eye" that reads the labels and plays back your pre-recorded message, identifying the item for you in your own voice.

Unlike similar products, VoiLa’s labels are tactile, with a unique guide rail to help you easily locate the bar code. The labels have an adhesive backing for affixing to objects, can be sewn or taped to objects, or simply hung from them. Record up to 250 voiced labels. The kit includes labels numbered 1 to 50. Additional sets of 50 (up to 250) may be purchased separately.

Included in your VoiLa kit are: one scanning pen, instructional cassette, labels numbered 1-50, attachment accessories (rubber bands, Velcro strips, magnets & zip ties) and 2 AA batteries.

VoiLa is available in models that give voice prompts in English (item #308557) or Spanish (item #308575). Regularly $199.95, they are on sale now for $139.95 (English) and $149.95 (Spanish.) For more information or to order, click VoiLa. Visit www.MaxiAids.com to see more products for the blind.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

A New Generation of Digital Recorders with Voice Guidance for the Blind and Visually Impaired

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living is currently highlighting some of their most innovative offerings for the blind and visually impaired. One of the best developments to come along is the voice guidance feature for compact handheld digital voice recorders, which provides audible prompts to the user who cannot see the markings on recorders. Olympus has built this feature into several of their digital voice recorders, making them more accessible and making the menus infinitely easier to navigate.

In addition to voice guidance, this new generation of compact digital recorders offers massive amounts of recording time (up to 1,062 hours) and additional features such as the ability to store and play back MP3 music, as well as WAV and WMA format audio books. Some even support automatic Podcast downloads.

Currently featured at MaxiAids are the Olympus Digital Recorder with Voice Guidance and 4GB memory for $349.99, and the 2GB model at the low price of $149.99. Visit www.MaxiAids.com to view the complete selection of Voice-Guided Digital Recorders and other items for the blind, visually impaired and low vision.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The Reizen LED Torch Flashlight: Sleek and Stylish, Waterproof and Shockproof

The Reizen LED Torch Flashlight, available only at MaxiAids Products for Independent Living (www.MaxiAids.com), is as rugged as it is stylish. It’s made of high quality aircraft-grade aluminum anodized inside and outside giving it a sleek, polished look. But at the same time, it’s waterproof and shockproof. It’s ready to go virtually anywhere with you and give you reliable bright, clean light supplied by six long-lasting LED’s. Uses 3 AA batteries (not included). Cost: $14.95.

Click on the product name above for more information or to order.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Open Up a World of Digital Books and Music with Portable MP3, Book and Text-to-Speech Players for the Blind

Maxi-Aids is kicking off Labor Day Weekend by encouraging anyone who has not yet ventured into the realm of MP3 players and audio books, and especially the blind, to explore the amazing developments that have opened up the world of digital audio over the past number of years.

A number of digital units are now available that feature various combinations of features including MP3 players, DAISY and digital book readers, digital recorders, and even text-to-speech playback of stored text files, including Word documents. SD memory cards offer huge amounts of memory that had simply been unavailable previously and USB connections allow for easy downloading of files from your computer.

Plus, all this functionality is packaged in compact, lightweight units that are easy to take with you almost anywhere. Players in this category are designed with few controls and simple layouts to make them accessible to the blind and visually impaired.

Four units are currently being highlighted at http://www.maxiaids.com/:

1. Tomboy is a powerful DAISY and MP3 player, text-to-speech document player, voice recorder, radio and electronic calendar – all in one. This is a brand new unit that will be available soon and is currently priced at $349.00 (subject to change.)

2. PLEXTALK Pocket is a Portable Daisy/MP3 Player and Voice Recorder that is priced at $359.00

3. VictorReader Stream is a DAISY-MP3-NISO Player that is compatible with NLS digital books. It sells for $344.95

4. Book Courier, which features an MP3 player and voice recorder along with a built-in alarm, sleep timer, clock, calendar and adjustable reading speed. The cost is $379.00.

Please click on the product names above to view full features and specifications for that unit. Visit http://www.maxiaids.com/ to see more products for the blind, visually impaired and low vision.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

MaxiAids Product News: Accessible Battery Charger for the Blind

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living is proud to offer the Universal Battery Charger with Beeper for the Blind, our specially modified unit that beeps to let you know when the batteries are charged, plus features a built-in battery tester and a discharger.

Like most battery chargers on the market, this unit has visual LED indicators to show when a battery is charged. However, unlike other chargers, this unit has been modified to make it accessible to the blind. Tactile letters mark the 3 switch positions (Test, Charge and Discharge) and an audible signal (in addition to the LED indicator) alerts you when batteries are fully charged.

To obtain the longest life from a rechargeable battery, it should be completely discharged before recharging. The Test mode allows you to determine if a battery is discharged, and the Discharge mode will fully drain the batteries prior to recharging. It charges most size batteries (AA, AAA, C, D and 9V.) It tests all size batteries except 9-volt.

You can recharge from 1 to 4 batteries at the same time, and there is a charging indicator lamp at each battery position. For use with Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) and Nickel-Metal-Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries only. Uses standard AC power. For indoor use only. The cost is $29.95.

Order here or visit www.MaxiAids.com to see thousands of items for those with special needs, including products for the blind, visually impaired, and low vision.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Don’t Delay – Get Your Large Print Calendar From MaxiAids and Start Planning Out 2010 Today

It’s hard to believe September is already here! All too often, the days, weeks and months fly by, leaving us wondering where the time went and thinking about all of the unfinished projects and unfulfilled goals in our lives.

Calendars are a great way to help keep on track with appointments, obligations and projects. But many calendars, such as those on pda’s, cell and smartphones, or even the calendars in printed planners are simply too small to see comfortably, especially for those with low vision.

MaxiAids has several oversized calendars that are easy to see and use. They all feature bold black print and come in various sizes, and new for 2010, one is even printed in yellow for maximum clarity. The choices are listed below. Click on a name to view the product details, and visit www.MaxiAids.com to see more low vision items:

The Giant Print Calendar - 2010
Low Vision Calendar - 11 inch x 17 inch - 2010
Yellow Low Vision Calendar - 11 inch x 17 inch - 2010
Jumbo Print Calendar - 2010

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