About Alex

Alex Braswell is a longtime resident of Cullman County, a dedicated advocate, and a champion for local businesses and families. With a strong commitment to accessibility, accountability, and community-driven leadership, she is running for Alabama House District 11 to bring practical solutions that strengthen the district and its people.

Alex holds a bachelor’s degree in Interpreter Training from Troy University and has spent the past two years working as a Sign Language Interpreter, ensuring access to communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals across Alabama. Her background as a pharmacy technician further deepened her understanding of the challenges local pharmacies face due to unfair regulations and corporate interference.

Beyond her professional work, Alex is a devoted wife to her husband, Jeffrey, and a proud dog mom to Maggie and Lucy. She believes that leadership starts with listening, standing up for what’s right, and delivering results that benefit the entire community.

📸 Headshot by Monica Johnson.

A Cullman Local Testimony

My name is Erica, and I am the parent of a wonderful, bright child, Jaxon, who has Type 1 diabetes. I am submitting this testimony to emphasize the critical need for a 504 Plan in ensuring his safety, health, and academic success at school.

Type 1 diabetes is a complex, lifelong condition that requires constant monitoring and management. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, it is an autoimmune disease that cannot be prevented or reversed. My son must carefully balance insulin, food intake, physical activity, and stress levels every single day to avoid fluctuations or life-threatening complications such as severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). These fluctuations can impact his ability to focus, participate in class, and even remain conscious. Because diabetes is unpredictable, he needs flexibility and support during the school day to manage his condition safely.

A 504 Plan provides the legal framework to ensure that my son receives the accommodations he needs to have a safe and equitable education. Without these protections, his health and learning experience could be at serious risk. Some of the most important provisions of his 504 Plan include:

Unrestricted Access to Medical Care: My son must be able to check his blood sugar, administer insulin, and treat low blood sugar symptoms immediately, without delay or punishment. Delays can lead to life-threatening situations.
Flexible Food and Water Access: He may need to eat snacks at non-traditional times to prevent dangerous blood sugar drops. A 504 Plan ensures he is never denied food or water when medically necessary.
Testing and Classroom Accommodations: Blood sugar fluctuations can impair cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate or retain information. His 504 Plan allows for test retakes, extended time, or postponed exams when necessary.
Staff Training and Emergency Preparedness: All school staff should be trained on recognizing and responding to diabetes-related emergencies. His 504 Plan ensures that his teachers, nurses, and other staff members are aware of his condition and know what to do in case of an emergency.

Without a 504 Plan, my son’s ability to participate fully in school would be at risk. This plan does not provide special privileges—it simply ensures that he can manage his medical needs while accessing the same educational opportunities as his peers.

I urge you to recognize the importance of 504 Plans for students with Type 1 diabetes, as well as other medical conditions or disabilities. No child should have to choose between their health and their education. By ensuring these protections, we allow children like my son to succeed in school while safely managing their condition.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

-Erica