Influential Woman · Disability Services, Workplace Accommodation
Allison Butler, PhD
Founder & Workplace Accommodation Strategist, Informed Choices Strategy
Tucker, GA 30084
Her Story
About Allison
Allison Butler, PhD, is a workplace accommodation strategist, educator, and disability services professional with more than 20 years of experience across higher education, healthcare, government, and workplace accessibility. She is the founder of Informed Choices Strategy, a virtual coaching and consulting practice focused on helping employees with disabilities and chronic conditions navigate workplace accommodation processes with greater confidence, strategy, and professional strength. Her work translates complex accommodation and accessibility processes into practical guidance that helps individuals understand their options, prepare effective requests, and advocate for the support they need.
Prior to founding Informed Choices Strategy in March 2026, Dr. Butler served in several leadership and educational roles within disability services and higher education. She was Director & ADA Compliance Officer at Emory University, where she led institutional compliance efforts related to Section 504, the Rehabilitation Act, and the ADA Amendments Act. She previously served as Director of Accessibility Services at the University of Maryland Global Campus and as a Disabilities Counselor/Assistant Professor at Northern Virginia Community College. Since 2019, she has also served as an Associate Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus, teaching and mentoring students in career exploration and professional development. Her professional background also includes extensive experience interpreting disability laws, managing accommodation services, supporting employees and students, developing training programs, and working with institutional stakeholders to advance accessibility and inclusion.
Dr. Butler holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, and a PhD in counselor education from the University of Maryland. She previously held the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential for 12 years, concluding in 2025. Her professional interests center on disability employment, workplace accommodations, accessibility, education, career development, and helping individuals navigate complex systems effectively. Beyond her professional work, family is particularly important to her, and she enjoys traveling, hiking, fitness, cooking, farmers markets, outdoor concerts, pool parties, and spending quality time with family and friends. She also values perseverance, integrity, strong leadership, and navigating complex systems with grace.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Allison
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the values and perspective instilled in me by my parents and upbringing. I have developed a mindset of not waiting for anyone or anything to create opportunities for me. I believe in taking initiative, doing the necessary research, and understanding what I am getting into rather than moving forward blindly. I also appreciate the small wins along the way and recognize the importance of the investments I have made in myself and my career. Above all, I remain grateful for my journey and try to learn from every experience and opportunity that comes my way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that if something is not in writing, it may as well not have happened. Documentation matters, particularly when navigating complex professional systems. I have also learned to separate my feelings from the experience of receiving a “no.” Rejection does not have to determine the outcome; it can be an opportunity to stay the course, persevere, and continue moving forward. Maintaining a state of gratitude has also been an important part of how I approach my career and the challenges that come with it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Write things down and document important conversations and decisions—if it is not in writing, it can be difficult to establish what happened. I also encourage young women to separate their emotions from the action or situation at hand and to be thoughtful about what they share professionally. Do not overshare when it is unnecessary. Most importantly, stop waiting to be rescued or for someone else to create the opportunity for you. Become the person who creates opportunities, takes initiative, and advocates for herself. Build resilience, keep moving forward, and take ownership of your professional journey.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities is continuing to build awareness and provide practical support around workplace accommodations, accessibility, and disability inclusion. There is significant potential to help employees and organizations better understand how to navigate accommodation processes and create more effective systems. For me, an important current challenge and opportunity is remaining consistent with my messaging and outreach while simultaneously building and growing my business. Staying on top of everything requires intentionality, adaptability, and a continued focus on communicating the value of this work clearly.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is extremely important to me, and I value the relationships and experiences that connect me with the people I care about. Professionally and personally, integrity and perseverance are central to how I approach life. I also place a high value on good leadership and appreciate people who are able to navigate complex systems with grace. I believe in treating others with respect, maintaining perspective during difficult situations, and continuing to move forward even when the path is challenging.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.