Lighthouse Graphics Forms Visually Impaired Combat Team

TYLER – Lighthouse Graphics, a division of East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, has formed a legally blind team to compete in the Brookshire’s Firefighter Combat Challenge held at the Broadway Square Mall parking lot Sept. 24 and 25. The six team members all have a visual impairment caused by an eye disease “We are hopeful that our participation in the challenge will provide the community another opportunity to appreciate the abilities of people with visual impairments,” Lee Tillson, combat team captain, said. Lighthouse Graphics is one of five local businesses taking part in the corporate challenge portion of the event. These teams are required to complete the same course as the fire department teams. In preparation for the challenge the Graphics team has practiced on a simulated course designed by local fire fighters.

“Visual impairments won’t slow us down. We might have to work a little harder than the rest, but I’m confident we will be a strong force in the competition. We have good athletes on the team and we all want to win,” Tillson said. The Firefighter Combat Challenge visits approximately 25 cities across the U.S., and this and be the fifth year the competition has come to Tyler. The challenge is an energetic and friendly competition between local and out of state fire department teams — and, for the first time, local corporate teams. The obstacle course is made up of five tasks that simulate real life scenarios that fire fighters face in the line of duty; they include: high rise hose carry, hose hoist, forcible entry, hose advance and victim rescue.

Serving 46 counties in East Texas, The Lighthouse is a 501©3 non-profit organization located in Tyler. The three operating divisions — Horizon Industries, Lighthouse Graphics and East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind Rehabilitative Services — collectively employ 69 blind and visually impaired people. To learn more about the programs and services at The Lighthouse visit http://www.etlb.org or call 903.593.3111.