MaxiAids Exhibiting Products for the Blind and Visually Impaired at NJ State Library Fall Festival in Hamilton

MaxiAids is happy to be exhibiting products for the blind, visually impaired and low vision at the NJ State Library Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC) Fall Festival in Hamilton, NJ on Saturday, October 12, 2013.

The TBBC serves NJ residents who are visually and/or physically impaired and people with reading disabilities.

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living is an industry-leading supplier of products designed to support active, independent lifestyles for seniors, the visually impaired, hearing impaired and those with special needs. Among the items they will have on display and available for purchase are unique Ambutech mobility canes for the blind with wooden handles, as well as cork handles.

There will be Braille and low vision large print playing cards that make card games accessible for the whole family, portable digital recorders to get all your important notes and reminders recorded on the go, and talking watches and clocks that make telling time a breeze.

Talking blood pressure monitors and talking blood glucose monitors (including a wrist-mounted model) help you keep on track with your medical and health goals in between doctor’s visits.

The Boombox Plus USB Memory Stick Player-FM Radio lets you listen to your audio books, MP3 music and local talking newspapers directly from a USB stick. It's easy to use with just three large yellow control buttons and a large volume control dial, and has built-in speakers and an FM radio.

The festival, which is billed as a celebration of Blind Awareness Month 2013, will be highlighted by a Q&A session with Keynote Speaker and author Mary Jane Clark, a panel discussion with five well-known New Jersey authors, and innovative hands-on workshops.

The Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Grounds for Sculpture, 18 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619.

If you cannot attend, but are interested in learning more about all the products MaxiAids has to offer, visit www.MaxiAids.com or call 1-800-522-6294.

President Obama’s DAV Convention Speech Mirrors MaxiAids’ Longstanding Commitment to Supporting American Veterans

This past Saturday, the President and Mrs. Obama spoke at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) National Convention in Orlando, FL.

Among the key points President Obama stressed in his speech were: resources for aiding America’s veterans must continue to remain available, healthcare for veterans must be complete and easily accessible, and veterans must be given every opportunity to achieve success both in the workplace and in the classroom.

We at MaxiAids Products for Independent Living couldn’t agree more.

Hundreds of thousands of American veterans, either due to injuries resulting from their military service or in the natural course of aging, require - or at least can benefit from - the specialized products MaxiAids distributes.

MaxiAids supplies products for the blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing and those with special needs. Our product line includes over 8,000 items such as talking products, magnifiers, canes, Braille items, large print books, alerting and assistive listening devices, vibrating alarms, personal amplifiers, wheelchairs and much more.

Over the past three decades, serving the Veteran’s Administration has been an important focus for MaxiAids, so much so that we have a department dedicated solely to handling inquiries, product questions and orders from the VA.

Plus, with low VA contract pricing, more assistive products get into the hands of the veterans who truly need them. And in light of recent difficult economic climate and ongoing budget cuts, pricing has become more critical than ever.

In the end, our goal is to support our veterans by providing them with the products they need to live more healthy, active and independent lives. We are proud and honored to be the place where the VA shops for assistive products.

Elliot Zaretsky Recalls Start in Independent Living Industry and Three Decades at MaxiAids in Speech to Long Island Council of the Blind

As previously covered in this blog, Elliot Zaretsky, president and founder of MaxiAids, was recently recognized by the Long Island Council of the Blind (LICB) for his dedication to the community of blind and low vision individuals.

In receiving this honor, which was given during a presentation at the LICB's annual 'Dinner in the Dark' event, Mr. Zaretsky recalled how he got into the independent living industry and reflected on his three decades at MaxiAids. Below is a full text of his speech:

I am honored to receive this recognition from the American Council of the Blind on behalf of MaxiAids Products for Independent Living.

I have the greatest respect for the ACB and the important work you do. We have had a long, successful relationship and it is a pleasure for me to be here tonight.

I just have a few words I’d like to say…

When I look back over my life, there is one important time – and one decision I made – that brought me to this point standing before you today.

For many years I was a pharmacist and I operated a chain of pharmacies in Brooklyn and Queens. Luckily I was doing well and able to support my family. I was happy, so I had no reason to think I’d ever leave that business.

But then something unexpected happened that changed the course of my career, and my life. My wife Shirley and I are the proud parents of three children. And we learned that one of them – my son Harold – was deaf.

Of course, as a father I wanted the best for him. I was concerned about his future and his job prospects. So, I tried to find whatever information and products I could to help my son grow and thrive.

But as I searched, I found that there just weren’t many products available. And the few items I did find were very expensive.

So I started thinking that if I had trouble finding items - even though I worked in the healthcare industry, with all my training and contacts - then what chance do other parents have?

I wondered how many other people were out there - parents of deaf or hearing impaired, blind or visually impaired children... or children with physical or mental disabilities.

How many of those parents couldn’t find – or afford – products to help their children learn and succeed – just like we wanted for our son?

So with that in mind, in 1986 I started MaxiAids Products for Independent Living. I set out with the goal to find and develop new products and better technologies that would help people with special needs live more healthy, active and independent lives. And I was determined to keep the prices low so more of the people who really need the products could afford them.

So here we are 27 years later. I have poured my life and my heart into this business for the past 3 decades, and I am proud to say that MaxiAids has become all that I imagined it could be:
- We have been at the forefront of the independent living industry and are responsible for many inventions and developments in the field
- MaxiAids now carries the largest selection of products available - over 8,000 items
- Our product catalog is considered by many to be the reference guide of the industry
- We have had the privilege of serving millions of private customers and government agencies domestically and internationally
- I am very proud of our dedicated staff which, by the way, includes a number of blind, deaf and autistic people

- We also employ several deaf-blind individuals in a job training program. It’s inspiring to see them come in and help assemble items and do product repairs

In closing, I just want to say I consider myself fortunate in so many ways.

They say behind every successful man is a good woman. That is very true for me. I want to thank my wife for all she has done to support me, our family and our extended MaxiAids family. She has been a very important part of our success.

I also want to thank the MaxiAids management team: Larry DiBlasi, Barry Reiter, Barry Greenblatt and Terese Butler, as well as the entire staff who do a fantastic job keeping things running smoothly.

Even after all of these years I can say that I still go to work every day with the same passion for serving those in the special needs community that I had at the start.

And I am happy to say that I believe I am exactly where I was meant to be in life.

Thank you again for this honor. I look forward to the future, and to new and different opportunities for MaxiAids to partner with the ACB in their mission to support blind and visually impaired people.

Thank you.

Visit www.MaxiAids.com for more information about the company or it's selection of over 8,000 products.

Elliot Zaretsky Honored by Long Island Council of the Blind for His Lifelong Dedication to Helping Blind and Visually Impaired People

Lori Scharff of the Long Island Council of the Blind presents MaxiAids' President and Founder Elliot Zaretsky a plaque recognizing his contributions to the blind and low vision community

Elliot Zaretsky, president and founder of MaxiAids Products for Independent Living was honored this week by the Long Island Council of the Blind for his extensive work helping people who are blind or who have low vision live more active, independent lives.

To mark the occasion, Mr. Zaretsky was presented with a plaque that recognizes his "commitment to ensuring the equality of rights, dignity and independence of people who are blind and/or have low vision... by his continued work and support for the population." In addition to printed engraving, the plaque was also imprinted in tactile Braille.

In receiving the award, Mr. Zaretsky spoke about how he originally got into the independent living industry. A pharmacist by trade, he was disappointed by the lack of products available to help his deaf son. He was sure he could make a difference, and founded MaxiAids in 1986 with the goal of making products for the blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing and those with special needs more widely available and more affordable.

"Even after all of these years I still go to work every day with the same passion for serving those in the special needs community that I had at the start," he concluded. "And I am happy to say that I believe I am exactly where I was meant to be in life."

Read our press release about the event or visit MaxiAids.com to view thousands of products for seniors and those with special needs or to order a FREE catalog.

MaxiAids Team Experiences a Meal without Sight at Long Island Council of the Blind’s ‘Dinner in the Dark’ Event

MaxiAids' Senior Management Team. Front Row (l to r): Barry Greenblatt, Terese Butler, Elliot Zaretsky. Back Row (l to r): Barry Reiter, Larry DiBlasi

Farmingdale, NY – May 1, 2013 – This past Monday Elliot Zaretsky, president and founder of MaxiAids Products for Independent Living , along with the company’s senior management team participated in the 5th annual Dinner in the Dark event at The Sterling in Bethpage.

According to the event sponsor, the Long Island Council of the Blind (LICB), Dinner in the Dark was created “as a way of showing the community-at-large that eating does not always require that one see the meal on the plate to enjoy its taste.”

It’s also a great way to raise awareness about how visually impaired people function in their everyday lives.

And this year’s event had an extra special meaning for MaxiAids, as Mr. Zaretsky was honored by the LICB for his lifelong dedication to helping people who are blind or who have low vision live more active, independent lives.


Lori Scharff of the Long Island Council of the Blind presents MaxiAids' President and Founder Elliot Zaretsky a plaque recognizing his contributions to the blind and low vision community

After a brief lesson and some helpful tips on how to efficiently navigate a table and place setting, guests enjoyed a three-course meal, with salad and the main course being eaten without sight. To accomplish this, diners were given sleeping masks and the lights were turned down to ensure they experienced the meal as a blind person does.

This was also an interesting challenge for the servers, who made their way around the tables and served plates of food only by the light of glow sticks.

After dinner, the lights were brought up and as guests were able to look at their plates to see how they had done. Over dessert they had a chance to discuss the experience.

“Re-filling a water glass without spilling it was challenging,” said Larry DiBlasi, MaxiAids’ executive director of operations. “And it was hard to judge the distance and position of place settings – you worry you’re taking someone else’s fork or drink.”

Some guests dove right in feeling around their plates with a knife and fork, while others used fingers help identify by texture what foods they had and where they were situated on the plate. Others acknowledged the difficulty accurately counting change at the cash bar.

One participant perceived heightened senses, feeling they were more aware of sounds and conversations around them, and they even thought food flavors seemed more intense.

“It was definitely a valuable, interesting and educational experience,” concluded Mr. DiBlasi. “I’m sure we’ll draw upon it frequently as we are developing and designing new products to assist the blind and those with low vision.”

Get more information about MaxiAids Products for Independent Living and its products.

Listen to Your Personal Recordings and Audio Books on Both Standard and Library of Congress Cassette Tapes!

Enjoy listening to your favorite audio books and personal tape recordings! This RCA Portable Cassette Recorder/Player has been modified to play both standard and Library of Congress cassette tapes. It has a built-in top-mounted speaker and internal microphone, plus jacks for optional headphones and external microphone (headphones and external microphone not included.)

FULL FEATURES LISTING:
- 4-track play, 2-track record
- Variable speed
- Top mounted speaker
- Headphone and microphone jacks
- Rotary volume control
- Automatic level control
- Automatic end of tape stop
- 6-volt power adapter included
- Can also run on 4 AA batteries (not included)
- Dimensions: 7.5" Long x 4.75" Wide x 1.5" Thick

Get more information or order the Modified RCA Portable Cassette Recorder/Player.

Call 1-800-522-6294 to speak to a customer service associate or order a FREE catalog featuring thousands of products for independent living.

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living Exhibiting at Long Island’s 1st Annual Family Special Needs Resource Expo

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living (www.MaxiAids.com), a Farmingdale-based provider of items that help seniors, the visually and hearing impaired, and those with special needs, is happy to be participating in Long Island’s 1st Annual Family Special Needs Resource Expo on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at the Huntington Hilton in Melville.

The Expo promises to unite the Long Island special needs community for a FREE, fun-filled and informative day. Families will have an opportunity to explore programs, products, and activities geared to those with a wide range of special needs.

MaxiAids will be displaying a sampling of products designed to enhance learning, encourage development and make life easier for people with special needs. One example is the dysphagia cup, which delivers small, controlled sips in adjustable portions through a straw or cup, allowing those who have difficulty drinking to gain greater independence.

Other items include medical and mobility products such as bed assist rails and support canes, as well as a variety of multi-sensory educational products that support a child’s growth and learning process.

Again, admission is FREE. So, come down and visit us at the Huntington Hilton, 598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville, NY! Expo hours are from 11:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday, April 14, 2013.

Get more information on the Long Island Special Needs Expo .

To learn more about MaxiAids, see our selection of over 8,000 products, or order a FREE catalog, visit MaxiAids.com or call 1-800-522-6294.

Now Everyone Can Enjoy Easter Egg Hunts

What better way for children to celebrate Easter than with an Easter Egg Hunt? Now, specially designed Beeping Easter Eggs, available from MaxiAids Products for Independent Living, allow blind and visually impaired kids to join in on the fun! Instead of going by visual cues, kids locate these eggs by following the loud, clear beep they emit.

“We are happy to offer our Beeping Easter Eggs,” says Elliot Zaretsky, president of MaxiAids, leading supplier of products for the blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing and those with other special needs. “They give children who might otherwise be excluded the opportunity to participate in the special spring tradition of the Easter Egg Hunt.”

Beeping Easter Eggs can also be used on Easter morning to provide an audible alert as kids with low vision experience the excitement of locating their Easter baskets. In addition, they’re great for use at disability awareness functions as well as senior homes and assisted living facilities to bring the joy of Easter to all ages.

The beeper assembly and batteries are housed in the bottom half of each egg. The beeper is easily operated using a built-in ON/OFF switch and drilled holes allow sound to be transmitted more loudly. Each egg measures 3” Long x 2-1/4” Diameter and uses 2 replaceable and readily available type “N” batteries, which are included.

“We are pleased with the response we have received not only from blind and low vision groups, but also from community centers, church groups and even some individuals,” notes Mr. Zaretsky. “Many people are planning to make these beeping eggs part of their Easter traditions for years to come.”

For more information on Beeping Easter Eggs (Item #402733), product pricing or to order, visit www.MaxiAids.com , call 1-800-522-6294 or email sales@MaxiAids.com. Quantity discounts are available: email bulkbuys@maxiaids.com

Girl Scouts ‘Earn Badge’ in Senior Solutions, Visit MaxiAids Products for Independent Living Farmingdale, NY Showroom

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living ( www.MaxiAids.com ), a Farmingdale-based provider of items that help seniors, the visually and hearing impaired, and those with special needs, recently hosted a group of Merrick girls who are representing the Girl Scouts of Nassau County in a contest to develop a product to assist seniors.

The team of six 8th graders, all students at Merrick Avenue Middle School, is competing in the First Lego League (FLL), Lego Robotics Program, calling themselves the ‘Merrick Masters.’ The purpose of the Girl Scouts’ involvement in FLL is that they have initiatives to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics with girls at an early age in hopes to inspire future scientists, engineers, or other technical studies/professions.

MaxiAids invited the team to its showroom to see a sampling of the more than 8,000 products they stock that make people’s lives easier.

Read the full story about the girls' visit as published in Merrick Life.

Visit MaxiAids.com or call 1-800-522-6294 to order a FREE catalog and learn more about MaxiAids' range of tems for seniors and those with special needs.

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living Dedicates New 2013/14 Catalog to Professionals Who Serve Those with Special Needs

MaxiAids (www.MaxiAids.com) has dedicated its new 2013/14 Catalog of products for independent living to the professionals who help people with special needs live more active, healthy and independent lives. Considered “The Reference Guide of the Industry,” the MaxiAids Catalog contains the largest available assortment of items for seniors, the blind and low vision, deaf and hard of hearing, arthritic, diabetic and those with mobility challenges.

“We want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all the professionals in our industry who serve individuals with special needs,” said Executive Director of Operations Larry DiBlasi. “We understand the ever increasing demands on their time as caseloads are growing without much needed increases in State or Federal funding to support their efforts.”

With that in mind, the catalog has been redesigned for easier navigation so customers can locate products more quickly and efficiently and make the best use of their limited time.

Also for this year’s catalog, MaxiAids has introduced a new pricing structure, lowering their already industry-leading prices even further. Hundreds of items throughout the 2013/14 Catalog are marked with a special “New Low Price” symbol to reflect these new low prices.

Beyond their everyday low prices, MaxiAids offers professional quantity and frequency discounts. And with one-stop-shopping you save time and money (one purchase order; one invoice; combined shipping costs).

Of course, customers will continue to get the exceptional service they’ve come to expect from MaxiAids’ friendly, knowledgeable customer care team, as well as fast order turn-around with most orders shipped within 24 hours.

“We believe that now more than ever as people struggle in the current economy, it’s important that we continue to provide the best value,” concludes Mr. Zaretsky. “Whether they are buying on behalf of a school district, a government agency, or for themselves or a loved one – we want our customers to know that MaxiAids will always offer the best service and the lowest prices… period.”

MaxiAids is currently in their 27th year proudly serving the needs of our Seniors, Veterans, the Blind & Visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, arthritic, diabetic and those with mobility challenges and other special needs. The MaxiAids 2013/14 Catalog is packed with thousands of helpful products designed to help individuals live more active, healthy and independent lives.

Order your FREE copy (or download an electronic version) of the MaxiAids 2013/14 Catalog today!

MaxiAids Exhibiting Special Needs Products at CSUN 2013 Technology & Disabilities Conference

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living will have a range of its products for those with special needs on display and available for purchase at the 28th Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference from Wednesday, February 27 to Friday, March 1 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego, CA.

A longtime supporter and attendee of the event, MaxiAids is once again proud to be exhibiting a sampling of its large selection of more than 8,000 items. Among our most popular items are alerting devices, Braille products, canes for the blind, marking and identification aids, low vision lighting, magnifiers, talking products, low vision, talking and vibrating watches, and reading/writing aids.

We would like to extend a special invitation to all of our friends in the special needs community to visit us at the convention. You’ll have an opportunity to get a “hands-on” demonstration of items designed to support healthy, active and independent lifestyles.

The Exhibit Halls are FREE and the hours are as follows:
Wednesday, February 27, 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday, February 28, 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday, March 1, 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

So, come down and see us at Booth #323 in the Exhibit Halls at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel, One Market Place, San Diego, CA.

For directions, call the hotel directly at 619-232-1234.

To learn more about MaxiAids’ products for the blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, arthritic, diabetic, and those with mobility challenges and other special needs, please visit our website at MaxiAids.com or call 1-800-522-6294.

Great News! MaxiAids is the Exclusive Distributor of Old Bridge Playing Cards Featuring Large, Easy-to-See Numbers

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living (www.MaxiAids.com) is thrilled to announce it has been chosen to be the exclusive distributor of Old Bridge Playing Cards.

“We are very happy and honored to be the sole distributor, which is also recognition of our position in the independent living industry,” said Elliot Zaretsky, MaxiAids president and founder. “We have had a long, successful relationship with Old Bridge and we look forward to continuing it into the future.”

MaxiAids is the industry leading supplier of products that support active, healthy and independent lifestyles for seniors, as well as the blind and visually impaired, deaf and hearing impaired, and those with special needs.

The Old Bridge Playing Card Company specializes in accessible large print playing cards. Their Elite Low Vision Playing Cards have big, bold 1-1/4-inch high letters and numbers that offer high visibility for low vision players, and are great for low light areas.

“Our professional customer service staff is ready to take your orders,” said Mr. Zaretsky, “and both retail and wholesale customers are welcome!”

Get information, pricing and place an order for Old Bridge Playing Cards or call 1-800-522-6294.

Products That Make a Difference: Discover MaxiAids 2013/14 Catalog

MaxiAids Products for Independent Living has released their 2013/14 Catalog. Commonly accepted as the ‘Reference Guide of the Industry,’ the MaxiAids Catalog contains the largest available assortment of items that support active, healthy and independent lives.

The most viewed catalog in the industry, it has thousands of budget-friendly assistive items for all age groups, no matter what their special need is. See more clearly with magnified, talking or large print daily living items such as Talking Watches and Large Numbered Clocks! Never oversleep with reliable Vibrating Alarm Clocks… and hear more clearly with Amplified Telephones & Personal Amplifiers! Perform daily chores with ease using specially designed Cooking Helpers and Dressing Aids!

Feel the therapeutic comfort of Pillows, Cushions and Supports and enjoy greater mobility with a huge selection of Canes, Walkers and even Seats that lift you to a standing position. Hundreds of home safety, healthcare and medication aids including Bath Benches, Safety Rails/Bars and Diabetic Aids help you take care of yourself and make taking medicine doses a whole lot easier!

To accommodate this vast range of items, this year’s catalog has been redesigned to provide fast, easy browsing and a better shopping experience.

See our Press Release on the new MaxiAids 2013/14 Catalog. Visit MaxiAids.com or call 1-800-522-6294 to request your FREE copy of the catalog or view more than 8,000 products designed to support your active, healthy and independent lifestyle.