Franz Gerhard Stillfried

Franz Gerhard Stillfried (1960 - 1988) was one of the organizers of the Independence Resource Center in Charlottesville. He was born with a genetic disorder known as brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta) and campaigned for universal access to public spaces long before the Americans with Disabilities Act was became law.

Tragic Death

From the Scottsville Museum: "His tragic death in 1988 was the result of an accident when he was on his way to a meeting with University officials to discuss improving accessibility at University Hall. The lack of a curb cut forced him to follow a path through the wet grass. His wheelchair slipped and tumbled over an embankment, killing him instantly. The ravine where he died is now the site of John Paul Jones Arena. Various improvements followed at the University including a road near the Orthopedic center on Ivy Road, named Stillfried Lane."