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Watson v. City of Cambridge
We may think that special education has always been "a thing", but that is just not the case. At one point in history, there were no laws to support/protect those students. This case supported the exclusion of students with disabilities. Those students were shunned and thought to be too much of a disturbance for "regular" students.
https://www.sutori.com/item/1893-watson-vs-the-city-of-cambridge-massachusetts-supreme-court-ruled-that -
Extending Brown to Children with Disabilities: P.A.R.C. & Mills
Years later, there was hope for students with disabilities. The Brown v. Board of Education case deemed it illegal for students to be segregated based on race. Later, that case was extended to students with disabilities. This case applied the Brown decision by using the due process clause of the 14th Amendment.
https://www.missedinhistory.com/podcasts/p-a-r-c-mills-and-special-education.htm -
Timothy W. v. Rochester, New Hampshire, School District
This was a historical case for handicapped children. It reversed the court's previous decision that said students who are profoundly handicapped cannot benefit from education. The Court ultimately gave students with disabilities the highest priority and protection under the act.
https://www.slideshare.net/casandoval1/timothy-wv-rochester-1989