Inclusion is a commitment to making the world a place where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully and equally. In the world of chess, it is easy to assume that the playing field is inherently equal. After all, chess doesn’t require physical effort like other sports. But, this assumption overlooks the significant challenges that people with disabilities face in the chess community. Challenges that those without disabilities often don’t even consider.
This is where The Open Window project steps in. Started in 2024 by Tatiana Flores and Laura Schalkhäuser, both of whom have personally experienced discrimination and exclusion due to their disabilities, The Open Window provides a space for dialogue, resources and shared experiences to support true inclusion in chess. Their mission is clear: to ensure that no one is ever made to feel unwelcome at the chessboard.
The Invisible Challenges in Chess
Those with disabilities, obstacles exist in different forms. Some players require accessible chess sets adapted for visual impairments. Others need physical accommodations, such as wheelchair-friendly venues or assistance with moving pieces. Players with neurodivergent conditions might struggle with overwhelming tournament environments that don’t account for sensory sensitivities.
Yet, these are rarely topics of discussion among organizers, clubs or event officials. The assumption that chess is naturally inclusive means that many of these necessary adaptations are overlooked. And when people with disabilities bring up these concerns, they are often met with indifference or outright resistance. The Open Window aims to change this by ensuring that these conversations happen and that real solutions are implemented.
A Space for Learning and Change
At its core, The Open Window is about education and advocacy. Through their accessible website, Tatiana and Laura provide vital resources: guidelines for tournament organizers, insights into players’ rights, success stories of disabled chess champions and much more. The project aims to empower players with knowledge so they can advocate for themselves and demand the accommodations they deserve. By offering a platform where players, coaches, referees and event organizers can exchange experiences and ideas, The Open Window is building a community where inclusion is not an afterthought but a fundamental principle.
How You Can Support the Movement
This project is driven entirely by passion and volunteer efforts, but it needs support to grow. Whether through sharing personal stories, offering networking opportunities, raising visibility in the media or providing financial assistance, every contribution helps bring their vision closer to reality.
The Open Window wants to ensure that the game we love truly belongs to all of us.
To learn more, contribute or get involved, visit their website and get in touch:
Website: https://offenesfenster.eu
Contact: kontakt@offenesfenster.eu
Donation: ChessSports Association
IBAN: AT37 4480 0107 8696 0000
BIC: VBOEATWWOOE
Purpose: Open window
Account holder: ChessSports Association, 1160 Vienna
Tatiana Flores, international chess journalist and women’s world champion of people with disabilities in 2021. You can meet Tatiana at our monthly Chess in Education Discussion Group Meetings where she helps occasionally moderating the discussions and contributes towards its success with her insights.
Laura Schalkhäuser, winner of the German Chess Communicator Award 2023, board member of the Chess Sport Association (CSA) and women’s representative of the Schweinfurt Chess Club.
Amazing initiative! Happy to support.