Disability rights groups had followed the case closely, warning that arguments by the school district could threaten broader protections for people with disabilities.

The Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously sided with a Minnesota family that has been battling their local school district over the education of their daughter in a decision that could make it easier for other parents of disabled children to seek damages from schools under federal disability laws.

The Supreme Court decision means that Ames' discrimination claim will now be sent back to the lower courts.