MaxiAids Staff Announcement: David Wallace Becomes Senior Art Director

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living today announced that David Wallace has assumed the position of senior art director at the company’s Farmingdale, NY headquarters.

David first joined MaxiAids as a graphic artist back in 2001, bringing with him well-established computer graphics skills and a strong design sense.

Having studied graphic design at SUNY New Paltz, he went on to work in desktop publishing at Office Max. He then joined Yellow Book USA as a graphic designer, where he spent several years creating business ads and designing logos.

Over his time at MaxiAids, David’s role grew and he became the art director. He has guided the design of the company’s industry-standard product catalogs and other sales and marketing collateral pieces for both print and web.

In his new role, in addition to leading catalog production and design of the company’s print media, David will guide MaxiAids’ creative direction in product merchandising and web graphics.

“Having been part of the MaxiAids family going back over a decade, David has contributed greatly to MaxiAids’ brand development,” said company president and founder, Elliot Zaretsky. “I am confident he’ll continue to play an important role moving forward.”

MaxiAids Staff Announcement: Ed Kolinek Promoted to Assistant Marketing Manager

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living today announced that Ed Kolinek has been promoted to the position of assistant marketing manager at the company’s Farmingdale, NY headquarters.

Prior to coming to MaxiAids as a graphic artist in 2006, Ed worked at Old Navy Clothing Company. During his 6 years there he gained valuable experience in retail sales, visual presentation and product merchandising. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Arts from Briarcliffe College in Patchogue, NY.

Since joining MaxiAids, Ed has continued to hone his design skills, combining his creative eye and retail experience to develop a wide range of marketing pieces, including printed flyers and product catalogs, as well as website banners and other web graphics.

In his expanded role, Ed will become more involved in higher level strategic business planning and will help formulate and implement new sales and marketing initiatives.

“Over the past years Ed has proven himself to be a valuable member of the MaxiAids team,” said MaxiAids president and founder, Elliot Zaretsky. “I know he will excel in this new position. I wish him the best of luck and I look forward to working with him to continue to build the business.”

Easier Reading in Bed and While Travelling

Enjoy convenient portable light for reading or writing in bed, as well as for plane, train and car trips. The ultra compact, lightweight Fold-Out Robotic LED Book Light clips easily onto your book or pad. When not in use, it stores easily in a handbag, backpack, briefcase, or even in your pocket. At the press of a button it folds out and is ready to use. Built-in clip. Long lasting LED illumination. Uses 3 button cell batteries (included). Measures 4.75-in. x 1.5-in. x 0.75-in.

Get more information on the Fold-Out Robotic LED Book Light or visit MaxiAids.com to see thousands more products for independent living.

Control the Temperature with Your Voice

This thermostat talks - and listens! With the Kelvin Talking Thermostat your voice controls the temperature settings. Once you program the thermostat using the talking buttons, the advanced speech recognition technology allows you to raise and lower the temperature simply by using voice commands.

Voice commands can be initiated by pressing the large tactile buttons or by clapping your hands, by knocking on a table or desk, or even just by whistling! This useful low vision aid will control the heat, fan and air conditioner to a precise and ideal comfort level.

With Kelvin , every button talks so there's no more straining, squinting or guessing. When a button is pressed, a clear voice tells you exactly what that button signifies. It will announce the time, room temperature and temperature setting. Programming buttons including "Set Day," "Set Time," "Raise" and "Lower" make it simple to use and understand.

Although it was designed especially for the visually impaired, disabled, elderly or anyone who may have difficulty seeing and programming a standard thermostat, Kelvin will be appreciated by everyone.

Get more information on the Kelvin Talking Thermostat or visit MaxiAids.com to see more products for the blind and those with low vision.

Enlarge Everything on Your Computer Screen with ZoomText 10

The new Maxi Combo 1: ZoomText 10 Magnifier w/Camera enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, making all of your applications easy to see and use. You can magnify on screen text and images up to 36x. Use the webcam to view & magnify items on your computer screen. It features Enhanced Screen Colors & Visible Pointers and Cursors. Supports Windows 7, Vista and XP operating systems. Our revolutionary new 'xFont' technology displays crystal clear text at all magnification levels. Once you've seen it, no other screen magnifier will do.

There are several models and combos to choose from. This Maxi Combo 1: ZoomText 10 Magnifier w/Camera is the USB version and includes Logitech C615 HD webcam and stand.

Visit MaxiAids.com to see all versions and available combinations.

MaxiAids Releases Annual List of Top 10 Holiday Gift Ideas for Independent Living

FARMINGDALE, NY, November 27, 2011 -- With the huge post-Thanksgiving shopping days 'Black Friday' and 'Cyber Monday' upon us, MaxiAids Products for Independent Living has released its list of Top 10 Holiday Gift Ideas for Independent Living. Among the items expected to be top sellers this year are the new Reizen Handheld Video Magnifier and the accessible, easy-to-use Just5 Cell Phone.

Despite continuing concerns about the economy, MaxiAids is anticipating solid sales this year. "More than ever, our customers are looking for practical gifts that will make their loved ones' lives a little easier," notes MaxiAids president and founder Elliot Zaretsky. "And if they can find something that's elegant and stylish on top of it... it's all the better."

As an example, he points to the top selling Reizen Stainless Steel Talking Watch. "It announces the time at the touch of a button... and it even sets itself," says Mr. Zaretsky. "With that convenience, plus a classic design and sleek stainless steel finish... it's exactly the type of item people want to give as a gift."

Here's the complete list:

1. JUST5 BIG BUTTON AMPLIFIED CELL PHONE. Designed for those who find today's cell phones too small or complicated to use with unwanted features. Big buttons, talking keypad & one-touch help in an emergency. 100dB amplification & hearing aid compatible. Prepaid or monthly plans - no contract or activation fees. Unlocked: Option to keep your existing AT&T/T-Mobile plan. Includes prepaid SIM card, battery, wall charger & earbuds. Item# 958565 (Black). Item# 958564 (Red). Price: $89.95

2. LEATHER MONEY ORGANIZER/WALLET. Keep Your Money & Credit Cards Safely Stored and Easy-to Find! Efficient bi-fold design with secure Velcro & zippered closures. Right side: Driver's license window, 9 credit card slots and full length pocket. Left side: 3 change pouches & 5 paper money slots (including 3 tabbed and 1 with zipper closure). Measures 8" x 4". Made of genuine leather. Black - Item# 81628. Price: $24.95 (Also available in Red - Item# 258162. Price: $22.49)

3. REIZEN TALKING SELF-SETTING CLOCK W/THERMOMETER. Hear Time, Date, Indoor and Outdoor Temperature Announced. Pleasant female voice. Big 5.04" x 1.73" display. Sets itself and automatically adjusts for Daylight Savings. Note: Self-setting function will not operate in Alaska or Hawaii. Clock can be set manually. Uses 2 AA's (main unit) and 2 AAA's (remote outdoor temp. sensor) - batteries not included. Size: 8.25" wide x 5" high x 2" deep. Item# 706800. Price: $34.75

4. SPEAKS VOLUMZ: TALKING 3-CUP MEASURING CUP. Makes measuring your cooking and baking ingredients easy! Measure in weight or volume (cups, ounces, milliliters or grams) and hear the measurements spoken in English. Programmed conversion for water, oil, milk, flour & sugar. Removable lid. Easy pour spout. Clear cup is dishwasher & microwave safe. Auto shut off. Uses 2 AAA batteries (not included). Measures (approx.): 6.5" x 4.75" x 6" High. Item# 550219. Price: $59.95

5. WILSON DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER. Record and play back shopping lists, reminders, to do lists, directions, meetings, lectures and more on your easy-to-use personal digital voice recorder! Up to 8 hours continuous recording time. Download messages to your computer via the included USB cable. Store multiple messages. Easily add and delete messages. Clips to belts, purses and car visors. Uses 2 AAA batteries (not included). Item# 309457. Price: $34.95

6. REIZEN HANDHELD VIDEO MAGNIFIER. Easily Read Labels, Menus and More on the Go. 2x-16x magnification on a 4.3" color screen. 10 hi-contrast viewing modes plus Freeze Frame. Connect to your TV to view text on TV screen. Also use as a writing stand for signing name, etc. With +/- keys for zoom. Includes rechargeable battery, AC/video cables & case. Item# 607669. Price: $549.00. (Upgraded model has easy zoom adjustment wheel and memory up to 100 images - Item# 607678. Price: $595.00)

7. BRAILLE AND LOW VISION MONOPOLY. This accessible version of the classic board game lets the whole family join in on the fun. It features extra large sized cards with Braille and large print markings. The 20-in. square game board has a tactile overlay molded to help players identify spaces and property locations by touch. The perimeter of each space is labeled in Braille and in print. Also includes Braille dice and Braille instructions. Item# 29957. Price: $58.95

8. OLD SCHOOL WOODEN LAP DESK. Turn any chair into a desk! Features classic styling with richly stained solid wood. Brass-hinged lid stays up while you're looking for items stored inside. Storage space is divided in two: smaller side for pens, pencils, erasers, etc. Larger side fits notebooks, calculator, envelopes & books. Both sections are lined in green felt. Soft, foam bead filled pillow with cotton canvas covering. Measures 13.875" H x 17.625" L x 3.5" W. Item# 204575. Price: $49.95

9. REIZEN TALKING SELF-SETTING STAINLESS STEEL WATCH. Announces the Time and You Never Have to Set It! Touch button for time report; touch again for day of week and date. Hourly chime. Beep alarm. Large 1.25" diam. white analog face with bold black numbers & hands. Sets itself and automatically adjusts for Daylight Savings. Note: The self-setting function works in the USA (except Alaska and Hawaii), UK, Germany and Japan. Stainless steel bezel. Black leather band. Item# 704034. Price: $59.95

10. MILESTONE 312 TEXT-TO-SPEECH BOOK READER/PLAYER. Why lug around multiple products to entertain, organize and simplify your life when the compact, 1.9 oz. Milestone does it all? Right out of the box, it is a Voice Recorder, Music Player, Text to Speech Player, DAISY-Audio Book Player, Radio, Clock & Alarm. Supports DAISY, NLS, TXT, MP3, WAV, AAC & WMA formats. Plus, with options it can also serve as an Agenda, a RFID Voice Labeling System, a Barcode Reader and a Color Reader! Item# 801308. Price: $449.00

About MaxiAids:
MaxiAids Products for Independent Living is an industry-leading supplier of products for seniors as well as those in the various special needs communities, including the blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, arthritic, diabetic and those with mobility challenges. Visit http://www.MaxiAids.com or call 1-800-522-6294 for more information or to order a free catalog

Easy Cell Phone Dialing, Loud Calls and an SOS Emergency Button

Do you find today's cell phones too small, too hard to dial or just too complicated? The easy-to-use Just5 Cell Phone was designed for people like you. It offers big buttons, 100dB adjustable amplified volume, and has only the features you want, eliminating complicated and unwanted options. The talking keypad ensures accurate dialing, plus it's hearing aid compatible.

For emergency situations, users can preset up to five phone numbers for 911, family, friends, doctors, etc. When users press the emergency SOS button, the phone will text an urgent message (e.g. "I'm having an emergency, please answer") to these five numbers, then dial them in prioritized order.

It's unlocked, so in addition to choosing a prepaid or monthly calling plan (with no contract or activation fees), users have the option of keeping their existing AT&T or T-Mobile calling plan.

Get more information on Just5 or visit www.MaxiAids.com to see more items for independent living.

Hear Your Oxygen Level & Heart Rate Readings Spoken

The OxyWatch Fingertip Pulse Oximeter measures your blood oxygen saturation ('oxygen level') and pulse rate. Readings are displayed on the OLED display, and will be announced at the press of a button. This oximeter is for spot checking only - not for continuous monitoring, medical or wellness testing. It was designed for use only by healthy individuals who are performing non-medical activities such as exercise, mountain climbing and piloting planes.

Get more information on the OxyWatch Fingertip Pulse Oximeter or visit www.MaxiAids.com to shop thousands of products for the blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, arthritic and diabetic, as well as those with mobility challenges and other special needs.

Hear the TV Clearly… without Disturbing Others

Hear the television clearly without turning up the volume! TV Ears Digital gives those who wear hearing aids the added digital clarity and increased power they require to fully enjoy TV. With TV Ears wireless technology, you set your own TV Ears headset volume while others set the volume of the television (or even mute the TV it altogether.) Imagine watching television with your family and hearing every word clearly again.

TV Ears Digital is equipped with an easy to use on/off volume dial, tone dial, balance dial, patented self molding foam ear tips, rechargeable battery, and headset expansion jacks. It can produce sounds at up to 120dB of power and is compatible with analog and digital connectivity.

Get more information about TV Ears Digital or visit www.MaxiAids.com to see thousands more items for independent living.

Speaks Volumz Talking 3-Cup Measuring Cup

Make measuring cooking and baking ingredients easy! The Speaks Volumz Talking 3-Cup Measuring Cup lets you measure in cups, ounces, milliliters or grams and hear the measurements spoken in English. It's great for everyone, and especially helpful for the blind and those with low vision.

Speaks Volumz measures ingredients in both weight and volume. It allows the user to switch between Water, Oil, Milk, Flour and Sugar; as well as Cups, Ounces, Milliliters and Grams.

Get more information on Speaks Volumz or visit www.MaxiAids.com to see more kitchen helpers and other talking items designed to help the blind and those with low vision live more active, independent lives.

Milestone 312 Text-to-Speech Book Reader/Player with Bar Code Reader, Color Identifier and Voice Labeling Options

Why lug around 10 different products to entertain, organize, and simplify your life when one product - the size of a credit card - does it all? Right out of the box, the Milestone 312 includes the functionality of a Voice Recorder, Music Player, Text to Speech Player, DAISY-Audio Book Player, Radio, Clock and Alarm. Plus, with options it can also serve as an Agenda, a RFID Tagging System, a Barcode Reader and a Color Reader!

At only 1.9 ounces the Milestone 312 is easy to take with you anywhere. Organize your daily life, or just relax and be entertained! It's great for everyone and will be especially appreciated by the visually impaired.

Get complete information about the Milestone 312 or visit MaxiAids.com for to see more products for the blind and those with low vision.

Hi-Contrast Yellow Cutting Board with Built-in Pivot Knife

Enjoy Safe, Steady and Easy Food Chopping with One Arm! This Cutting Board with Pivot Knife is a handy kitchen helper consists of an 11.8-inch square cutting board mounted on four suction cups. A chef's knife is attached at its tip and hinged so it can be used in a chopping motion through an arc of 90 degrees. Colored board provides hi contrast for low vision users.

Suction cups prevent the cutting board from slipping while you cut, and the knife can be removed for cleaning and sharpening. Made of durable, sanitary polyboard.

Get more information about the Cutting Board with Pivot Knife or visit MaxiAids.com to see many more helpful kitchen tools for the blind, those with low vision and those with dexterity challenges.

Reizen Handheld 2x-16x Video Magnifier with 100-Image Memory

Read product labels, medicine bottles and restaurant menus with ease - plus store up to 100 images! The Reizen Handheld Video Magnifier offers a high quality image and up to 16x magnification in a compact, portable and stylish design. It features a 4.3" color screen with 10 high contrast viewing modes and smooth magnification adjustment, and it also allows you to save up to 100 pictures in memory.

Press Freeze Frame button to capture the image for comfortable viewing and you can even zoom in/out or change the viewing mode of the still image. Connect it to your television to view the text on the TV screen. Use it as a writing stand - it's great for writing notes and letters or signing your name.

Get more information on the Reizen Handheld Video Magnifier or visit Reizen Handheld Video Magnifier to see more electronic magnifiers and other items for those with low vision.

Great Back to School Item: Double Check Talking Financial Calculator

Hear basic and financial calculations announced! Double Check features basic arithmetic operations, as well as advanced functions including currency conversion and compound interest calculation for use in banking and business settings. View the results on the LCD display, as well as hearing keys pressed and results spoken in a clear male voice.

The Double Check Talking Financial Calculator includes the basic arithmetic operations - addition, subtraction, multiplication and division - as well as the ability to calculate percentages, extract square roots, raise a number to a given power or identify the reciprocal. At the push of a button, you can switch to the conversion menu and use different preset factors in calculating volumes, length, weight, temperature or currencies.

As a commercial calculator Double Check also offers the possibility of calculating compound interests, cash values and the amount of annuities. You can recall the date and time and also set an alarm to remind you of important dates. The numbers are typed in via the big and clearly arranged keys and also shown on the 10-digit-display. At the same time every keystroke is accompanied by the clear and natural speech output. The announcement of the results can either be as a total number or digit by digit.

Get more information on the Double Check Talking Financial Calculator or visit www.MaxiAids.com to see more talking products.

Reizen Wireless USB Mouse Electronic Magnifier for Computers

Magnify Text and View it on Your PC. The Reizen Wireless Mouse Electronic Magnifier allows you to magnify reading material anywhere from 2x to 32x (based on 21" screen) and view it on your computer screen or other USB-compatible display. Just roll the mouse over the book, newspaper, mail or other material you want to read and it will be shown enlarged on your PC screen. This wireless version allows you to enjoy reading without being bound by a wire.

The mouse offers multiple display modes (full color, black on white, white on black and high contrast) to suit your individual vision needs, as well as a Screen Lock (Freeze Frame) feature to provide the easiest reading experience.

Get more information about the Reizen Wireless Mouse Electronic Magnifier or visit MaxiAids.com to see more products for independent living.

MaxiAids Celebrates 25 Years of Business Success in Independent Living Field

As MaxiAids Products for Independent Living marks the 25th anniversary of its founding, it continues to thrive – even in the current recession – by maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction, by utilizing the latest technologies and by reaching out to bring its products to a wider audience.

It is no secret that the recession is hitting the business community hard. With the current recession have come daily reports of struggling companies and frequent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings. But as it celebrates 25 years in business, MaxiAids Products for Independent Living demonstrates how it is possible to survive... and even thrive... in a difficult economic climate.

MaxiAids, a family owned business specializing in products for the blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing and those with other special needs, has taken the recent economic adversity in stride and turned it into a growth opportunity. They have maintained their focus on providing superior customer service while at the same time welcoming new technological advances and bringing their products into different markets.

On the customer service side, MaxiAids prides itself on maintaining a staff of knowledgeable and well-trained industry professionals skilled at helping customers choose the right product. Customers are assured their questions will be answered and any necessary exchanges, repairs and refunds are handled quickly and seamlessly. In a bad economy, it is imperative to at least meet – and preferably to exceed – expectations. Anything less may result in a lost customer.

Today, especially with the emergence of social media platforms, having a website is essential for any business’s survival. MaxiAids’ interactive site (http://www.MaxiAids.com) served over 1 million visitors and shipped nearly 100,000 products in 2010 alone. They use email campaigns, expedited shipping options and free shipping offers, as well as a presence on Amazon’s marketplace to spur sales. Facebook and Twitter accounts present product announcements and relevant news items, in the process offering an opportunity to engage potential customers.

Lastly, MaxiAids has taken a core mission since their founding – to help those with special needs maintain healthy, active and independent lives – and expanded it out to reach a larger audience. Seniors and baby boomers, a large and ever-growing segment of the population, present a huge potential market for items such as magnifiers, talking clocks and amplified phones, to name just a few. In fact, most households would benefit from the types of products MaxiAids offers, and they are adjusting sales and marketing efforts to address these consumers.

To weather the economic storm, businesses must be agile, savvy and able to re-invent themselves. They must be open to new media and willing to part with old methods that may no longer be viable. For those such as MaxiAids who are willing to do this, the rewards can be great.

About MaxiAids
MaxiAids was founded 25 years ago to fill a void in the availability of products for the blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing. Over the years, that initial mission has expanded and today MaxiAids is the leading supplier of products that support the healthy, active and independent lives of those in the various special needs communities, as well as seniors, baby boomers and the general population. For more information visit maxiaids.com

MaxiAids Exhibiting at 2011 American Council of the Blind Conference in Reno, NV

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living is again proud to be part of the ACB (American Council of the Blind) Conference and Convention, which this year is being held from July 8 through July 16 at the John Ascuaga Nugget Hotel Resort Casino in Reno, NV.

Over the past 25-plus years, MaxiAids has grown to be the industry-leading supplier of products for the blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, and those with mobility and other special needs. The MaxiAids staff is dedicated to developing and distributing items that support active, healthy and independent lifestyles.

Among the products we will have available for your review and purchase at the ACB convention are our popular talking atomic watches, the Voxcom III Voice Labeling System, the TADI Talking Personal Organizer, digital voice recorders, portable and stationary CCTV’s, talking clocks and vibrating watches.

If you’re in the Reno area, come down and visit us at the John Ascuaga Nugget Hotel Resort Casino, 1100 Nugget Avenue, Sparks, Nevada. MaxiAids will be at booths 38 and 39. (And while you’re there, enter our daily raffle drawing!)

EXHIBIT HALL SCHEDULE:
Saturday, July 9, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Sunday, July 9, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday, July 11, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday, July 12, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, July 13, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, July 14, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

To view more of MaxiAids’ thousands of products for independent living, visit our website at www.maxiaids.com or call 1-800-522-6294 to request a copy of our latest catalog.

FEATURED PRODUCT: Danielle 10x/1x Large Column Stem Vanity Mirror

Powerful magnification in an attractive design that will complement any decor! The Danielle 10x/1x Large Column Stem Vanity Mirror is as practical and functional as it is elegant and stylish.

The large 9" diameter optical quality glass mirror magnifies 10x on one side (great for putting in contact lenses and applying make-up) and swivels to show a 1x true image on the reverse side. The beautifully sculpted large column stem is accented by a rich chrome finish. Measures 10.5" wide x 17" high.

Get more information about the Danielle 10x/1x Large Column Stem Vanity Mirror

FEATURED ITEM: The Easy-to-Set Master Lock Speed Dial Combination Lock

The Speed Dial Combination Padlock from Master Lock is fast, easy and secure. It's quick and easy to open with only one hand - without having to see small numbers or manipulate a dial as must be done with a traditional combination lock. Simply slide the dial up, down, left or right in a sequence you pre-set to open it. It's perfect for school/employee/athletic/storage lockers and cabinets!

The Speed Dial is the world's first combination lock that opens on up/down/left/right directional movements. The combination can be reset to any number of movements in any sequence and matching passcode indicators (letters, numbers, colors, shapes, symbols) are included for added customization - simple apply them over the arrows on the lock dial.

Get more information on the Speed Dial Combination Padlock or visit www.MaxiAids.com to view more products to help those with special needs live more active, independent lives.

Turn Your TV or PC into a Reading Aid: ezReadPro Wireless Electronic Magnifier

Transform your television or personal computer into a visual aid! Simply place the ezReadPro from Carson Optical directly on top of your reading material to display the magnified image in full color right on your television screen or PC monitor. It magnifies 20x (to 70x digitally) on a 20” monitor. The size of your TV or PC monitor determines the actual magnification. The larger the monitor, the greater the ezReadPro magnifies!

Its wireless design allows you to use as far away or as close to your PC or television as you like. Internal LED illumination ensures that the image on screen is bright and easy to read. The ezReadPro is lightweight, ergonomic and easy to use. It's ideal for those with low vision or macular degeneration.

Get more information about the ezReadPro or visit www.MaxiAids.com to view more products for those with low vision.

Easy-to-See Super Jumbo Playing Cards

Enjoying a card game has never been easier! These Super Jumbo Playing Cards are 8 times larger than a standard size deck. Face values are printed in huge 1.5" high bold letters, making them easy to see. They're especially helpful for those with low vision and dexterity challenges, and are also great for children.

Each 8.25" x 11.75" card is printed on heavy-duty card stock coated on both sides. Deck includes 52 standard poker cards and 2 jokers. Make any card game more fun and accessible for everyone! Recommended Ages: 6 years and up.

Get more information about Super Jumbo Playing Cards or visit www.MaxiAids.com to see more great products for those with low vision.

Graco Direct Connect Digital Baby Monitor: Get a Vibrating Alert & Talk to Baby on the Intercom

Feel confident knowing your baby is resting safe and sound! The Direct Connect Digital Baby Monitor by Graco includes exclusive vibration notification technology so you can feel your baby's call. And the 'talk to baby' intercom feature on the parent unit allows you to offer comforting, reassuring words from anywhere in your home. Other features include sound and light alerts and remote room temperature reading so you can be assured your baby's comfort.

Get more information on the Direct Connect Digital Baby Monitor by Graco or visit www.MaxiAids.com to see thousands more helpful products for independent living.

FEATURED PRODUCT: Magnifying Safety Glasses with LED Lights

"Eye Protection Plus Magnification & Illumination". These Magnifying Safety Glasses with LED Lights are as stylish as they are functional. With a sleek frameless look, they combine OSHA-compliant eye protection along with the convenience of 3x bifocal magnifying lenses and bright LED illumination to help you safely see even the finest details.

At home, use them for reading in bed without disturbing others, to help you enjoy your favorite hobbies and for seeing small parts clearly in workshops. They're also handy for field technicians and repairmen who may work in tight, poorly lit spaces. The included black leash allows you to conveniently carry safety glasses around your neck so they're always within reach.

Dual multi-directional pivoting 1.8 Lumen LED lights provide 100,000 hours of light and the included batteries have an estimated life of 50 hours. Also available in 1.5x and 2.5x magnifying powers to meet individual needs.

Get more information on Magnifying Safety Glasses with LED Lights or visit MaxiAids to see more products for those with low vision.

Vibrating Countdown/Up Timer

Get a Reliable Vibration or Audible Alarm When Time Is Up! The compact, convenient pocket size Vibrating Countdown/Up Timer with Belt Clip gives you the choice of a vibration or beeping alarm when time is up. An alarm alerts at the one-minute mark in the countdown, and once the timer reaches zero it automatically begins to count up, providing additional timing capacity. It's great for everyone, and an accessible choice for the deaf and hearing impaired.

Find out more about the Vibrating Countdown/Up Timer or visit MaxiAids.com to see browse thousands of products for independent living

Ocuvite Lutein Eye Vitamins for Macular Degeneration

Maintain Eye Health and Vision As You Age! Ocuvite Lutein Eye Vitamins provide nutritional support for those at risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Most people take their eyes for granted. Like the rest of your body, your eyes need proper nutrition and care to help maintain eye health and vision as you age. In fact, research indicates proper nutrition is critical to maintaining and preserving eye health for both men and women. But most Americans don't get proper nutrition through diet alone.

Ocuvite Lutein is an advanced new antioxidant supplement formulated to provide nutritional support for the eye. This new Ocuvite formulation contains essential antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and 2 mg of lutein, a carotenoid. Carotenoids are the yellow pigments found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach. High levels of lutein are found in the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. Ocuvite Lutein also provides 100% of the US Daily Values for the antioxidant vitamins C, E, and the minerals zinc and copper.

Get more information on Ocuvite Lutein Eye Vitamins or visit MaxiAids Products for Independent Living online to see more helpful items for those with low vision.

FEATURED MOBILITY PRODUCT: Drive Bath Stool with Padded Rotating Seat

Move more safely and easily the shower! The Drive Bath Stool with Padded Rotating Seat is perfect for individuals who have balance or mobility issues. The rotating padded seat reduces twisting and reaching while in the shower. The rotating top of the seat can be removed for easy cleaning and a removable tray for storing personal items is included. The seat height can be adjusted from 16.14 to 22.8 inches and it has a weight capacity of 300 lbs.

Get more information on the Drive Bath Stool with Padded Rotating Seat or visit MaxiAids.com to see additional products for those with limited mobility, as well as items for the blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, arthritic, diabetic and other products for independent living.

Multitask 5-in-1 Card: 2x Magnifier Plus Gooseneck LED, Pen, Stylus & Ruler

The Multitask 5-in-1 Card is a .25" thin, credit-card-sized card that performs five tasks that will prove useful when least expected. Jammed into its compact size is a 2x magnifier, an ultra-bright flexible gooseneck LED light, a ballpoint pen, a PDF stylus and a ruler.

It's great to keep in your backpack, pocket, purse, briefcase, glove compartment, or anywhere. You never know when you may need it. Button cell battery for LED light is included and is replaceable.

Get more information on Multitask 5-in-1 Card or visit MaxiAids to see more products for the blind, visually impaired and low vision.

FEATURED PRODUCT: Daylight Twist Portable Lamp Provides Flexibility for Low Vision Readers & Hobbyists

Daylight's popular portable lamp now comes with an ingenious Easy-Twist shade for maximum light angle & maximum work space! The Daylight Twist Portable Lamp has been designed by Daylight to give you the ultimate spread of light across the whole of your work area. This means you can achieve the best color matching ever with the sensational light delivered by Daylight's 13w energy saving tube.

The lamp itself is lightweight and designed to fold neatly away, making it very easy to transport. This top lamp boasts even more practical features, all designed to make sure you craft in comfort. The lamp's detachable base makes it extremely stable and with Daylight technology there is absolutely no strobe effect so eyestrain is reduced and potential headaches are eliminated.

Learn more about the Daylight Twist Portable Lamp or visit MaxiAids.com to see more products for the blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, diabetic, arthritic and those with mobility challenges or other special needs.

See Menus, Labels and Receipts Magnified up to 11 Times with the Maggie-Pro Handheld Electronic Magnifier

See medicine bottles, recipes and oven or microwave settings at home. Take it with you to more easily see restaurant menus, product labels and receipts at the supermarket, and bus or train timetables.

Maggie-Pro is an ultra-compact handheld electronic magnifier that you can easily slip into most purses or pockets, and even some wallets. It offers 4 magnification levels (4x, 6x, 8x and 11x) and two bright LED's for dim lighting conditions which can also be used as an emergency flashlight. Freeze allows you to capture an image on the 3-inch wide screen LCD for closer examination.

With 3.5 hours of battery time, you could find yourself checking and reading things for days without needing a charge. When it is time to re-charge, use any wall socket or even a computer, notebook, netbook or anything else with a USB port. The included overnight charger slowly and fully charges your battery for extended life, or you can be on your way with a partial charge in just minutes.

Learn more about Maggie-Pro or visit MaxiAids.com to see more products for those with low vision.

FEATURED LOW VISION PRODUCT: Fun, Safe & Accessible Talking Electronic Dart Game w/Magnetic Tip Darts

Enjoy an all-time favorite game of darts in complete safety! The Talking Electronic Dart Game features a full-sized dart board that firmly holds special magnetic tip darts and announces the points scored when the dart hits. No more worries about damage to walls or injuries to younger players, plus it's accessible to blind and low vision players.

Mount on a wall or prop it up on the included display stand. Includes electronic dart board, 6 magnetic tip darts, three AA batteries and a display stand. Board diameter is 16 inches.

Get more information on the Talking Electronic Dart Game or visit MaxiAids.com to see more products for the blind and those with low vision.

FEATURED LOW VISION PRODUCT: Yellow Low Vision Calendar for 2011

The Yellow Low Vision Calendar was designed for those who benefit from the contrast of black print on bright yellow paper. Numbers are 1" high bold black print. Entire month is shown on one large 11" x 17" page. For use on walls, desktop or carry along in a briefcase. Paper color: Goldenrod. Plastic spiral binding.

Get more information on the Yellow Low Vision Calendar or visit MaxiAids to see more low vision products.

February is AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss which, according to statistics cited by the federal initiative 'Prevent Blindness America', affects more than 2 million Americans age 50 and older.

This month, MaxiAids will highlight some of the products we have available to help those with low vision maintain their active, independent lifestyles.

Visit MaxiAids and keep checking back on our blog to see a selection of our most popular products.

FEATURED PRODUCT: Serene 50dB Amplified Cordless Phone w/Photo Dial

The Serene CL60P Amplified Cordless Phone with Photo Memory Dial offers cordless convenience plus 50dB amplification, Hi Definition sound and DECT 6.0 interference-free technology that are helpful for the hard of hearing. Other helpful features include oversized handset buttons, large photo memory keys for easy speed dialing and talking caller ID - great features for those with low vision and Alzheimer's.

Get more information on the Serene CL60P Amplified Cordless Phone with Photo Memory Dial or visit MaxiAids.com to see more products for the hard of hearing and those with low vision.

Blizzards Can’t Stop MaxiAids' Service

Despite facing back-to-back snowstorms that slammed the area in the past two weeks, MaxiAids Products for Independent Living, based in Farmingdale, NY, remained open to serve its customers.

“It is that work ethic that sets us apart in the industry,” says Elliot Zaretsky, president and founder of MaxiAids. “We’re dedicated to serving our customers and they know they can count on us to be here for them… no matter what.”

The above photo shows the front of the MaxiAids corporate office and call center today after the parking lot had been cleared.

The first storm, a blizzard the day after Christmas, dumped upwards of 20 inches of snow across Long Island. The most recent one started late Tuesday night and continued through yesterday morning, resulting in accumulations up to 18 inches in the area.

But despite the snow, ice and gusting winds, public transportation delays and cancelations, and in some cases poorly plowed or entirely unplowed roads, MaxiAids' employees dug themselves out and braved the elements to make their way into the office.

That fact is not surprising, when you consider the foundations upon which MaxiAids was built 25 years ago: Largest Selection. Lowest Prices. Superior Customer Service. MaxiAids’ commitment to these goals has brought them to the forefront of the independent living industry.

To learn more about the products MaxiAids has available to promote your active and independent lifestyle, visit www.MaxiAids.com or call 1-800-522-6294 to speak directly to one of our team of experienced customer service representatives.

MaxiAids Referenced in Article on 11-Year-Old Triplets with Visual Challenges

We at MaxiAids are proud to have been referenced in the attached article about eleven-year-old triplets from Alabama. MaxiAids.com is mentioned in relation to our blind-accessible version of Scrabble.

The Cox sisters of Prattville, Alabama have varying degrees of visual challenges, but are able to enjoy a family game of Scrabble with their parents with the Brailled version of the game MaxiAids developed. Read the full article here .

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Game

Based on the Eric Carle illustrated children's books of the same name, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? this game introduces kids to the magic of story creation, while helping memory and sequencing skills. Plus, this blind-accessible version has Braille markings so everyone can join in on the fun!

Each player has a sequence of animal cards to discover. Using their memory skills, players flip a card from the center of the board and see if it matches one of the animals they need. When players complete their sequence, they recite the story they created. As children play the game, they practice and develop their concentration, rhyming and sequencing skills - all while enjoying characters from their favorite Eric Carle books.

It includes a colorful Brailled game board, 36 Brailled animal cards and instructions. Designed for Preschoolers: Ages 3 and Up; 2 to 4 Players.