Open-core framework. Clear terms.
NEI uses a layered open licensing model. The indicator data is public domain. The specification documents are open with attribution. The reference implementation is open source. Certain commercial services require a separate agreement.
Open-core licensing model
Different components of the NEI framework are published under different open licenses.
| Component | What it includes | License |
|---|---|---|
| Data layer | Indicator YAML files, taxonomy CSV files, release manifests | CC0 1.0 — Public Domain |
| Specification documents | Framework, methodology, governance, contributor guide | CC BY 4.0 |
| Reference implementation | nei-python library | Apache 2.0 |
The data layer has no restrictions. Indicator data, taxonomy, and release manifests are public domain under CC0 — no attribution required, no commercial restrictions. Use them freely in any product, service, or research.
Identifier namespace
The NEI identifier namespace — identifiers prefixed with
NDI-,
NDR-,
NDT-, and
NDP-
— is a trademark of atypical.
Internal use — free
Organizations referencing NEI identifiers to evaluate their own workplace practices may do so freely, at no cost and without a license.
Commercial use — license required
Using NEI-prefixed identifiers in commercial products or services (beyond evaluating your own organization) requires a license from atypical.
Proprietary commercial services
The following services are operated exclusively by atypical and are not covered by the open licenses above. A commercial agreement is required to offer or access these services.
| Service | Requires commercial agreement? |
|---|---|
| Identifier minting (issuance of new NDI-/NDR-/NDT-/NDP- identifiers) | Yes |
| Validation and certification services | Yes |
| Participation in the atypical Verifier Program | Yes |
| Custom scoring methodology validation and endorsement | Yes |
Uses that do not require permission
Because the data layer is CC0 (public domain), the indicator data, taxonomy, and release manifests may be used for any purpose without restriction. The following uses are explicitly encouraged.
Sustainable finance
Use NEI in social bond frameworks, sustainability bond frameworks, green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, social loans, and associated transaction documentation.
Second-party opinions
SPO providers may reference, apply, and cite NEI indicators as part of their assessment methodology without restriction.
Investor analysis
Institutional investors may incorporate NEI into ESG analysis, issuance evaluation, and internal reporting frameworks.
Corporate implementation
Organizations may use NEI internally to assess, improve, and report on workplace neurodivergent enablement — including for ESG and DEI reporting.
Research and policy
Academic research, non-commercial policy development, and standards work may freely use, adapt, and build upon NEI data and specifications.
General advisory
Advisers and consultants may reference and apply NEI as part of broader consulting engagements.
If you are using NEI in a bond, loan, SPO, corporate program, or investor analysis, you do not need permission. We would appreciate a notification so we can track implementations. See below.
Notify us or request a commercial agreement
Using NEI in a bond, loan, SPO, or workplace program?
No permission needed. Select your type of use and fill in the form — we appreciate knowing how NEI is being used. Notifications help us track and share real-world implementations.
Offering commercial services or using NEI identifiers commercially?
Select "Commercial agreement required" as your type of use. We aim to respond within a few business days.
For any licensing enquiry, use the form above — we aim to respond within a few business days.
How to attribute NEI
The data layer (indicator data, taxonomy, releases) is CC0 — attribution is not required, though appreciated. When citing specification documents or referencing NEI in published work, use the formats below.
In a document or report
Source: Neurodivergent Enablement Indicators (NEI), atypical. https://atypical.business/nei/
In a bond or loan framework
Neurodivergent Enablement Indicators (NEI), atypical (atypical.business/nei/).
In academic work
Howard, I. & atypical (2026). Neurodivergent Enablement Indicators (NEI). https://atypical.business/nei/
For formal citation formats (APA, Chicago, BibTeX), see the
Citation page.
When referencing a specific indicator, include the indicator ID and version —
for example, NDI-hgbbzn-v1.
Supporting the project
The most valuable way to support NEI right now is to use it, cite it, and tell us about your use. Every implementation strengthens the case for the framework and helps us improve it.
If you are using NEI in a transaction, publication, or workplace program and would like to acknowledge it publicly, we appreciate that — it raises the visibility of the framework and helps others discover it.
Financial support arrangements may be available in the future. If you are interested in supporting the project as a sponsor or funding partner, please mention this when you contact us.