#how to guides

9 panel comic.

First comic panel shows the main character holding a pencil larger than themself and using it to draw a line. The caption says “ADHD Bri’s How To.” The sub caption says “writing alt text”. A disclaimer at the bottom states “this is an example of how I write my alt text and is not perfect nor the only way to write it.”

The second comic panel shows an example comic. The caption states “1. List how many and types of images.” The sub caption says “This lets tour audience know what to expect. Example: “Two panel comic.”

The third comic panel shows the same example comic focusing on the first panel. The caption states: “2. Clarify which image you are describing.” The sub caption says “example: “comic panel one.”

The fourth comic panel shows the example comic. The caption says “3. explain the visual elements of your image.” The sub caption says “example: comic panel one shows the main character leaning back in their chair with their foot on the table in front of them.”

The fifth comic panel’s caption says “Tips”. The sub caption says “use only tangible descriptors. If there are multiple characters, make sure to label which one you’re referring to. Don’t go overboard describing everything. Pick and choose which best tells your story.”

The sixth comic panel’s caption shows the same comic example. The caption says “4. Write the caption or spoken text in image.” The sub caption says “example: the main character asks “how tough am I? Let’s just say I’m not afraid of anything.””

The seventh comic panel’s caption says “Tips”. The sub caption says “the punctuation and symbols are not always screen reader friendly. Be mindful how you use any. If you intentionally misspell or use alternative spelling of something in the image, write it so it can be readable in the alt caption and specify it was written originally in a particular fashion or tone.”

The eighth comic panel shows the same example comic. The caption says “5.) Repeat steps 2-4 for any other image.”

The ninth comic panel shows the example comic. The caption says “The results.” The sub caption says “Two Panel Comic. Comic Panel one shows the main character leaning back in their chair with their foot on the table in front of them. The main character asks “How tough am I? Let’s just say I’m not afraid of anything.” Comic panel two shows a large figure looming over the main character with “making phone calls” written on its chest. The figure asks “you were saying?””

How To Get Started on Building Your Family Tree Without Help From Elders

If you are like me, and do not have many elder family members to turn to for help in discovering your family history, here are a couple of things you can do to get yourself started.

• Talk to siblings and cousins. Ask them for anything they remember, names, dates, addresses, cities, church/places of worship, schools, anything they can remember will be helpful.

• Try and find any old objects: photos, papers, baby books, baptism, bible records-sometimes there is useful information written on the back of old photos and keepsakes such as dates, names, places.

• Start charting it out. Write down what you know. Start a free family tree online. Or just get a piece of paper and a pen and start charting out what you already know so that you can transition that to an online tree or a free template downloaded from online.

• What if you don’t have any siblings/cousins? If you don’t have any siblings or cousins, at least any that you are comfortable talking to, use yourself as a resource. What do you remember? Do you remember a last name, your grandmothers maiden name? A place your aunt or uncle may have lived with your grandparents? What church did they attend? Was it local? Even the most smallest thing that you can remember could be important.

• Perhaps turn to the local genealogy society/group in your hometown, or your parents/grandparents hometown. Local groups can be a most valuable resource.

The beginning is usually the hardest, but use what you know, use these steps as a mini guide, and get started. Remember,  you can be your own most valuable resource.