While most canned goods have labels distinctive enough to be identified, others like soup can be hard to tell apart. To avoid confusion, mark the cans with rubber bands. For example, you could put one rubber band on chicken soup, two on pea soup and none on your favorite, perhaps tomato. Also, use cardboard dividers to separate different product types, say canned soups from canned vegetables. Self-stick Velcro can also serve as a product identifier. Apply these markers to bottles, jars, boxes, and beverage cartons. And do it as soon as you return from the store, when you have a sighted helper to assist you.

Toothpaste Tricks. Have trouble getting the toothpaste on the brush?

Try using a brand with stripes or a color other than white, so you can more easily see the contrast against the white bristles of the brush. Or, simply apply it to your finger or directly into your mouth, using a wash cloth to tidy up the nozzle. Using toothpaste with a hinged snap-top will eliminate thesearch for the screw-top that always manages to get lost.

Better lighting in the bathroom...and kitchen.

Increasing the amount of light will often make many tasks a lot easier. A big help are those swing-arm lamps of the type architects use, or a goose-neck lamp, with clamps that can easily attach to a table or counter top. They'll allow you to focus the light right where it's needed most. In the bathroom it will help make cutting your nails easier. In the kitchen, use it to brighten up the cutting board. A conical shade and a dimmer switch will allow you to achieve just the amount of light intensity you require without subjecting your eyes to glare.

And for safe and convenient cooking...

Food preparation is much easier with the use of adaptive equipment and safe cooking techniques developed for people with impaired vision. Always use a timer when cooking food to ensure that it is done properly and to remind you to turn off the appliance. When barbecuing, use extra-long utensils and fireretardant oven mitts. Prior to eating, have a friend point out the location of food on the plate using the clock method. For example, meat is at 6 o'clock, vegetables 2 o'clock, etc.