Welcome to Holland: A Guide for Arizona Parents of Children with Disabilities

Here at UCP of Central AZ, we know that when you first receive a diagnosis for your child, the journey ahead can feel uncertain. For many families in Arizona, the experience is captured perfectly in Emily Perl Kingsley’s famous, heartfelt essay “Welcome to Holland.”

If you’ve just found yourself on an unexpected path, we share her words to let you know that you are not alone and that a beautiful, joyful life awaits.

You’ve dreamt your whole life of visiting Italy. From the time you were a child, you spent hours watching classic films set on sun-soaked beaches and old cobbled streets. The history, the people, the food, the landscape. You were in love before you even arrived.

And finally, the time comes. You book your ticket, devour the guidebooks, and practice your Italian. Your stomach clenches in anticipation of the Colosseum, gondolas, and limoncello. Even with months of planning, you feel a mix of excitement and anxiousness. It’s really happening at last. You board the plane, snuggle into your window seat, and close your eyes.

Hours later, the plane’s wheels bounce along the tarmac. The pilot’s voice crackles through the speakers: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Holland.”

Holland?! What do you mean Holland?! I’m supposed to be in Italy! Italy is what I signed up for, Italy is what I wanted! My whole life I’ve dreamt of going to Italy!

You demand answers, but no one has any. It doesn’t matter how it happened. There will be no Italy for you. You’ve landed in Holland, and in Holland you will stay.

At first, you’re in a daze. You did not prepare for Holland. You know nothing about Holland. Everything you learned about Italy is now useless. So you do the only thing you know how to do: you go buy new guidebooks. You learn a whole new language. You meet a group of people you never would have met otherwise.

After your initial shock wears off, you begin to catch your breath. You begin to open your eyes and look around. You realize that Holland has its own unique beauty. The pace of life is a little slower, a little more laid-back, but there is still much to do. It’s not so flashy or brash as Italy.

Holanda tiene molinos de viento.
Holanda tiene Rembrandts.
Holanda tiene tulipanes.
Y al igual que Venecia, Amsterdam incluso tiene canales. Quizás las cosas no son tan diferentes después de todo.

But when you check your phone, you see everyone else is busy on their Italian vacations. Their photos are full of fun and memories they’ll cherish forever. And for every photo you see, there is a sting deep inside you that will never leave. That is where I was supposed to go, that was my dream.

But if you spend your life wishing that you were in Italy, you will never be free to appreciate the very special, the very lovely things about Holland.

How UCP of Central Arizona Helps Families Thrive in Holland

We know that parenting a child with a disability can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why UCP of Central Arizona offers lifespan services designed to support families from the moment they arrive in “Holland.” Our compassionate team is here to walk beside you, helping you navigate emotional challenges and discover the profound beauty in your new journey.

We help provide the “guidance” and community you need:

Early Intervention & Therapy

Like expert local guides, our therapists (Physical, Occupational, Speech) help your child develop the skills to explore their world confidently and hit new milestones.

Family & Community Support

“Holland” is full of wonderful people. We help you find them through support programs that strengthen the parent-child bond and connect you with a community that understands.

Assistive Technology & Resources

We provide the modern tools and resources to help your child access their education, communicate their needs, and engage fully with the world around them.

Discover the Tulips with UCP

If you’ve found yourself in Holland, you’re not alone. UCP of Central Arizona is here to help you find the tulips—those moments of joy, growth, and connection that make this journey so meaningful.

Ready to start exploring?

Contact Us Today to Learn More o Explore Our Life-Changing Services

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Emily Perl Kingsley wrote the ‘Welcome to Holland’ parable in 1987 to describe her experience raising her son with Down syndrome. It has since become a source of comfort and inspiration for families worldwide.