an initiative by

VAKTA

VisualAuditoryKinestheticTactileAccess

Communication Without Distractions

Built by HALO-SOMA, VAKTA is a communication platform for nonspeaking & minimally speaking individuals. Inspired by the principles of the Rapid Prompting Method (RPM), VAKTA provides a highly customizable, distraction-reduced environment designed to support communication, learning, & independence.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
Why VAKTA

Built for Those Who
Communicate Differently

  • Purposefully simple, distraction-reduced design

  • Unlimited custom keyboards

  • Large, letterboard-inspired layouts

  • Secure communication history

  • Privacy-first architecture

  • Designed for learning and academic participation

  • Available on tablets, iPads, and mobile devices

Design Philosophy

Designed
for Focus

Most communication apps are designed for speed.

VAKTA is designed for focus.

Minimized visual clutter keeps attention on the keyboard — just like a traditional letterboard or laminate.

Customization

Unlimited
Customization

Every communicator is different.

  • Alphabetical or QWERTY
  • Fonts & sizes
  • Themes & colors
  • Symbols & shortcuts
  • Math & science keyboards
  • Custom function keys
Education

Built for
Learning

Designed to support communication in educational, vocational, and everyday settings.

Whether writing an assignment, answering questions in class, or expressing personal thoughts — VAKTA grows alongside the communicator.

Privacy

Privacy
First

Your communication belongs to you.

History stays on your device or your own Google Drive. HALO-SOMA never stores, analyzes, or monetizes your words.

  • Login & authentication only
  • Keyboard customization settings

Your words remain under your control.

Getting Started

Recommended Setup

  • Use a Gmail account for seamless backup and synchronization.
  • Use a tablet or iPad whenever possible for the best experience.
  • Create separate keyboards for different subjects and activities.
  • Set your preferred customized keyboard as the default option.
  • Consider using a dedicated Google account for the VAKTA app.
HALO-SOMA in action
Our Mission

About HALO-SOMA

HALO-SOMA is dedicated to expanding access to communication, education, and meaningful participation for nonspeaking and minimally speaking individuals.

VAKTA reflects our belief that every person deserves the opportunity to communicate, learn, and be heard.

Contact Us

Have a question? Reach out to our support team at

vaktaplatform@gmail.com

and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is VAKTA?

VAKTA is a communication and learning platform developed by HALO-SOMA for nonspeaking and minimally speaking individuals.

The name VAKTA comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "speaker" or "communicator." The platform was designed to support communication, learning, self-expression, and greater independence through a highly customizable, distraction-reduced interface.

Who is VAKTA designed for?

VAKTA is primarily designed for:

  • Nonspeaking autistic individuals
  • Minimally speaking individuals
  • Unreliably speaking individuals
  • Spellers who use letterboards or laminates
  • Learners pursuing academic communication
  • Individuals seeking greater communication independence

While VAKTA was inspired by the needs of nonspeaking communicators, anyone who benefits from a simplified communication environment may find it useful.

Why was VAKTA created?

VAKTA was created to provide communicators with a flexible, customizable, and distraction-reduced communication platform that supports learning, self-expression, and independence.

The platform reflects HALO-SOMA's commitment to expanding communication access and creating tools that help individuals communicate, learn, and participate more fully in the world around them.

What makes VAKTA different from other communication apps?

Many communication apps prioritize speed, word prediction, shortcuts, and automation. VAKTA prioritizes focus.

The interface was intentionally designed to reduce visual clutter and distractions while emphasizing the keyboard itself. For many communicators, maintaining focus on letters and motor planning can be more important than maximizing typing speed.

How customizable is VAKTA?

Extremely customizable.

Users can create and save an unlimited number of keyboards within a single account. You can customize:

  • Keyboard layouts
  • Fonts
  • Font sizes
  • Colors
  • Backgrounds
  • Symbols
  • Function keys
  • Mathematical symbols
  • Scientific notation
  • Personalized vocabulary
  • Light and dark modes

Different keyboards can be created for different subjects, environments, or communication goals.

Why is the text display area so small?

This is intentional.

VAKTA keeps the text display discreet so that attention remains focused on the keyboard rather than on large blocks of previously typed text.

The design was inspired by traditional letterboards and laminates used by many communicators and reflects the philosophy that less visual clutter can support greater focus.

Why are the keyboards so large?

The keyboard occupies most of the screen because the letters themselves are the most important part of the communication process.

Large keys help support visual attention and create an experience that feels familiar to many communicators who have experience with letterboards and laminates.

Is there a limit to how many keyboards I can create?

No.

VAKTA allows unlimited keyboard creation and storage. You can create separate keyboards for academics, mathematics, science, daily communication, employment settings, hobbies, writing projects, or any other purpose.

Switching between keyboards is quick and easy.

Does VAKTA support both Alphabetical and QWERTY layouts?

Yes. Users can choose either:

  • Alphabetical layouts
  • QWERTY layouts

Many communicators begin with alphabetical layouts and later transition toward QWERTY keyboards as their skills develop. VAKTA supports both approaches.

Can I create keyboards with custom symbols?

Yes. VAKTA allows users to create custom keys and symbols.

This flexibility makes it possible to create specialized keyboards for mathematics, science, education, employment, or personal communication needs.

Does VAKTA support math and science?

Yes. Specialized keyboards can be created that include:

  • Mathematical operators
  • Scientific symbols
  • Numbers
  • Custom equations
  • Specialized academic notation

This makes VAKTA particularly useful for students pursuing academic programs.

Does VAKTA save communication history?

Yes. Communication sessions can be automatically saved and organized for future reference.

Many families and communicators appreciate having a time-stamped record of communication, writing, and learning progress.

Where is my communication history stored?

Communication history is stored in your own Google Drive account or on your own device, depending on your settings.

HALO-SOMA does not maintain copies of your communication content on its servers.

Does HALO-SOMA have access to my communication?

No. HALO-SOMA does not store, review, analyze, sell, or monetize your communication content. Your communication remains under your control.

The only information maintained by VAKTA is:

  • Login and authentication information
  • Keyboard customization settings
Why does VAKTA recommend using Gmail?

Google accounts provide a simple and secure way to:

  • Back up communication history
  • Synchronize across devices
  • Store communication records
  • Maintain long-term access to files

Using Gmail also reduces setup complexity for most families.

Can multiple users share the same device?

Yes. Multiple user profiles can be created on a single device.

Each user can maintain their own:

  • Keyboard configurations
  • Preferences
  • Communication history
  • Personal settings
What devices does VAKTA support?

VAKTA is available on:

  • iPad
  • Android tablets
  • iPhone
  • Android smartphones

For most users, tablets provide the best experience because the larger screen more closely resembles traditional letterboards and laminates.

Does VAKTA offer text-to-speech?

Yes. Text-to-speech functionality is available and can be enabled or disabled based on user preference.

Does VAKTA offer word prediction or auto-complete?

Yes. Word prediction and auto-complete features are available but can be turned on or off.

This allows users to choose the level of support that best matches their communication needs.

Can I adjust the typing speed?

Yes. VAKTA includes adjustable keyboard-action delay settings.

These settings allow users to customize how quickly key selections are registered, accommodating different motor-planning and coordination styles.

Is VAKTA intended to replace letterboards?

Not necessarily.

Many communicators use VAKTA alongside traditional letterboards and laminates. Others use VAKTA as a bridge toward greater independence and portability.

The platform was designed to complement communication and learning—not replace individualized instruction or support.