RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — In the art room at Herbert Akins Road Middle School, students are busy tearing paper and placing it in patterns, with help from teachers, instructional assistants, and volunteers.

The students have severe mobility and cognitive disabilities, but art teacher, Aurelis Lugo, doesn’t focus on their limits; instead, she sees their abilities.

“Art is there; it's part of every human being. It's just finding that way to spark that creativity,” Lugo said. “It's very important to understand each student's condition and understand what they can do.”

"Ms. Lugo is one of their favorite teachers," noted Melissa Bunyak, the classroom teacher for some of the students. "It's a big deal for us when we have art; they love to come here."

Lugo didn't have art class in school when she

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