U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., speaks during a Senate Select Committee on Aging hearing Thursday in Washington, D.C. It is the final committee hearing Casey will lead before his term ends.

It’s been less than 10 months since Erin Willman first spoke to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Aging – but the Warren business woman says she’s already seeing changes.

Willman testified before the committee again on Thursday at the request of Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa. and committee chairman. It’s the final time the committee will meet before Casey’s Senate term comes to an end. Willman’s shop was closed Thursday while Willman was testifying in Washington.

“A lot has happened since I was here in February,” Willman said. “I have received an incredible amount of calls and emails from disabled persons and organizations that assist the blind and the disabled. The common theme of those messages is that things are actually changing. They are not yet where they need to be when it comes to disability access and awareness, but we are getting there. It brings me great joy when I hear disabled people in my community getting good-paying jobs and not getting relegated to sheltered workshops for less than minimum wage.”

Some fellow Warren-area businesses owners have reached out in the months since Willman’s February testimony before the Committee on Aging to talk about both her experience and Casey’s proposal to expand tax benefits for businesses such as White Cane.

“A few weeks ago an engineer from a large manufacturer in our county visited our coffee factory to see how we adapted our workspaces and machinery to accommodate our employees,” Willman said. “He honestly wants to see his company be inclusive. I consider this a huge step forward.”

After her February testimony Casey made a visit to White Cane Coffee to speak with Willman and meet with her employees. Then, a few months later, Willman engaged in a write-in campaign to get on the ballot for the November election in an effort to challenge incumbent Rep. Kathy Rapp, R-Warren. Willman achieved her goal to get on the ballot, but lost to Rapp in the November election. Willman told those attending Thursday’s hearing the experience was still a positive one.

“On a side note, I had the honor to run for (Pennsylvania’s) in-state representative for District 65,” Willman said. “Even though I lost my election I found the majority of people I met were accepting of me as a viable candidate. The best part of the experience was having younger people come up to me and tell me that because of my running for office they too feel like they can create change in their community in both large and small ways.”

Willman lost her sight at the age of 15 and started White Cane Coffee. She has been recognized by CEO Monthly with a Global CEO Excellence Award for Best Organic Coffee Manufacturing CEO (USA) and by CEO Monthly with a Global CEO Excellence Award for Best Organic Coffee Manufacturing CEO (USA).

Senators took turns praising Casey for his work on the Select Committee on Aging and his advocacy for those with disabilities. Casey, in turn, took a second to praise Willman.

“I’ve been there,” Casey said, referencing his March visit to White Cane Coffee. “It’s a great coffee company in northwestern Pennsylvania. Erin started White Cane Coffee company in 2019 to provide self-sustaining jobs for people with disabilities living in rural communities, including for herself and her brothers. Erin, we’re grateful you’re here and grateful you made the trip. Coming from Warren County is quite a ride.”