Libraries to build web pages.

Team,

>From my point of view, development environments which include the libraries, bootstrap templates, code generators, etc are key focus areas to improve accessibility. Some articles I have reviewed on the net indicate web developers in the future will not need to have the level of development knowledge, but more design and business knowledge. Some of the tools I have used don't include or even discuss accessibility in their environment. Thus the topic I am rasing is slightly left field and I am hoping people can help.

UAAG from my reading is focusing on the browser, media players and plugins. Thus companies who develop libraries for web authors such as rich edit controls, toolbars, drop down (combo boxes), etc should follow the UAAG standards?

Those vendors who create development environments which allow the author to build the web site without using any coding should be following the ATAG standards. If the tool is using libraries as previously described with the vendor develops. Then they should follow the UAAG standards as well?

If I am correct in the above, what is peoples views on the best method of educating, encouraging or even using legal means to get these vendors/developers to start utilising the standards? As the end-user of the web product  only focuses on the organisation that is publishing the web content, not the tools or development environment.

Is any one aware of any company including accessibility in their contracts with vendors who provide the development environment?

AS some of the tools and libraries people use for development is open source. How does legal laws like the ADA or section 508 apply here? As from my understanding open source and like projects are not owned by anyone. Thus getting these groups of people to follow the accessibility standards is nearly impossible. Especially if you are not a coder to assist with the project.

I just see this as a big area of concern which I don't see major improvements. If the development environment which builds the web product was accessible or supported the standards. Then I think a lot of the issues would be addressed.

Sean Murphy