An interview with Tatiana

“We want this website to be for everyone. That’s why we try to write in simple, understandable language.”

1. Tatiana, when did you start playing chess?

I had chess lessons twice a week in elementary school. It wasn’t training in the traditional sense. We were taught to think and solve problems with chess. When I moved on to high school after elementary school, I stopped playing chess. It wasn’t until I was 21 that I became interested in chess again. I had to recover from a serious illness, and chess was something I could play well on my own at home.

2. What do you want from your other ches players?

I would like to see more understanding and respect for people with disabilities in chess. I’m not talking about consideration, but about fair compensation and equal opportunities. In my opinion, a sport or game like chess cannot afford to exclude players because of minor issues such as a lack of rules, knowledge, or, i.e., access to disabled toilets.

3. What are your hopes for the Open Window project?

With the Open Window project, I hope that we can get everyone in the chess world excited about the topic of inclusion. It is so important to create a good and pleasant atmosphere for all players. We want to provide information and offer a platform for everyone to exchange ideas. At the same time, we are creating visibility for people with disabilities in the chess world and, hopefully, beyond.

4. Why did you initiate this project with Laura?

Laura and I met while working on another project. When we found out that we both have a disability (or several), we quickly struck up a conversation. We shared our experiences and problems. We soon realised that we had some very good ideas to improve the situation for people with disabilities in chess. This led to our heartfelt desire to initiate the Open Window project together. Our aim is to offer our knowledge, our skills, and experience to help others be more inclusive.

5. What experiences have you had in chess with your disability?

I have had some negative and sad experiences with my disability and health limitations in the chess world. Before it became known that I would be playing in the 2021 World Championship for People with Disabilities, I was treated like everyone else. After that, I was treated with hostility, insulted, and even bullied. People who had previously been my chess friends no longer wanted to play with me because of prejudice and ignorance. Of course, it wasn’t everyone, but it was a lot of people. That surprised and puzzled me. I always believed in the clean and inclusive image with which chess is advertised, but the reality is a very different one. This negative experiences were numerous and stressful, and have had a negative impact on my relationship with competitive chess ever since.

People with disabilities are normal people who, due to an illness or impairment, have to lead a different lifestyle than healthy people. It is often these healthy people who make inclusion very difficult. I believe that the individual always comes before their disability or health limitations. That’s why I want to help other people to learn to see it that way too.

6. What would you like to see in chess with regard to inclusion?

I would be very happy healthy if people and those without disabilities would also refuse to accept the exclusion of people with disabilities. It costs so little to stand up for someone who’s already having a hard life. Often, all you have to do is to speak up and communicate that you don’t approve or agree how other people are being treated. It can be that easy! And with only a little bit of your energy, you might have given another person to the access to chess. I alsways say: The more people share their disagreement about exclusion in chess, the more positive change can be achieved.

7. Would you like to tell us anything else about yourself?

I’m an enthusiastic person and very excited to see what Laura and I can achieve with our project. Even tough I’ve already been through a lot in life and in chess, I know that we – as a community – still can improve a lot. We can becomme better people while we become better players. Hopefully, we will be able to organize a great inclusive tournament with the help of important partners and supporters. All players should feel comfortable and have fun at this tournament.