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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.
What do you want from your fellow human beings?
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 access to disabled toilets.
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.
Why did you initiate this project with Laura?
Laura and I met while working on another project. When we discovered that we both have a disability (or several), we quickly struck up a conversation. We shared our experiences and problems. We soon realized that we had some good ideas for improving 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 pool our knowledge, skills, and experience to help others.
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 actually treated with hostility, insulted, and 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 greatly. Of course, I also made new friends in the chess world. However, the negative experiences were numerous and stressful.
People with disabilities are normal people who, due to an illness or limitation, 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 more people learn to see it that way too.
What would you like to see in chess with regard to inclusion?
I would be very happy if people without disabilities would also refuse to accept the exclusion of people with disabilities. It costs so little to stand up for a more just world. Often, all you have to do is say that you are against something or that you don’t approve of it. The more people share their opinions and join forces, the more positive change can be achieved.
Would you like to tell us anything else about yourself?
I am an enthusiastic person and am very excited to see what Laura and I can achieve with our project. 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.
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