When Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced mandated school closures in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, school districts such as Peoria Public Schools knew they’d have to lean on technology to teach remotely for an indefinite period of time.

But they were also concerned about how they would continue providing services from a distance to students with disabilities and unique learning needs.

Lora Haas, director of the Special Education Association of Peoria County, said that it was difficult for their therapists to give students who require an individualized education program IEP) plan the same services they get in a school setting, reports the Journal Star.

To connect with students and their families, the therapists had to stay in touch via video chats and phone calls. The special education department also held virtual IEP meetings. Meanwhile, special education teachers went over remote learning and access resources with parents on Microsoft Teams, a digital hub for collaboration and communication integrated with Office 365. They also used the platform to co-teach and develop lessons together, the newspaper notes.

Lorena Mora, an education technical specialist for Microsoft, says Microsoft Teams is all about ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. “It’s near and dear to Microsoft’s heart, and we’re working toward making sure that all of our products are able to fulfill that need to support and empower all of our students and teachers to achieve more,” she says.

It’s important for educators to ensure online instruction meets their students’ unique learning needs, especially as schools plan for the possibility of continued remote or blended learning in the fall. Here are three ways Teams supports personalized classroom learning for students of all abilities and backgrounds — even during remote learning.