The province says a $42-million cut to community support programs for persons with developmental disabilities (PDD) in Alberta will not be fully implemented on July 1.

Protests across Alberta, including one with more than a thousand people at the legislature last Friday, have thrust the cuts into the spotlight.

Marie Renaud, who has led demonstrations against the cuts, says the pressure forced the government to back down.

"Clearly, they've admitted ‘Well, yes, you know — we might have been too hasty,'" she said.

But Human Services Minister Dave Hancock said it’s all been a question of communication.

"They focused on the budget, as opposed to what was really intended, which is the service-delivery options," he said. "And we need to change that discussion back to the service-delivery options, and reassure people that it’s not about the budget, it’s not about achieving a certain number and it’s not about achieving a certain date — it’s about achieving a certain outcome."

"Words are just words," said Kristi Hull-Busque, who has a developmentally-delayed son. "We have yet to see it put into motion or seen action from a parental perspective."

Parents and caregivers got an email from the province on Wednesday that says some programs will have until the fall to implement changes.

"I don't understand how the government didn't have a plan in place knowing that their cuts would affect those with disabilities," said Francois Hull-Busque.

But Hancock says the province has always said it will take the necessary time needed to work with families and determine the right level of service.

"And if there are changes, to work with them on those changes," he said. "They will have the opportunity to participate in that decision, and, if we don’t come to an agreement, they will have an opportunity to use the appeal process and the administrative processes to get to the right place."

Renaud, the executive director of the Lo-Se-Ca Foundation in St. Albert, says she hopes the province will also consider a policy change.

"Don't wait until the dust settles and then go back to square one," she said, adding she hopes delaying some program cuts is not just a public relations move.

But a spokesman for Alberta's Human Services minister tells CBC News the province is still going forward with changes to its programs, but is allowing some service providers more time to prepare.

Brenda Lee Doyle, assistant deputy minister for the province's disability services division, said in a message posted on the Alberta Association for Community Living website today that some individuals, families and service providers have voiced concerns about the pace of change and how changes will affect them.

"Some service providers have indicated they are ready to go forward with a new contract, so PDD will proceed with the contracting process in those cases," the message read.

"For those service providers who need more time, PDD will be extending contracts to allow for more planning conversations to take place with individuals and families."

Guy Smith, the president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, commended the government for the delays.

"Listening to families and caregivers is the right thing to do," he said in a release.

But he did say he would like the province to listen to the residents, their families and staff at the Michener Centre in Red Deer, Alta., who are concerned about its closure.

The provincial government plans to close down the centre for people with developmental disabilities and transfer patients into community homes.

"Stop the closure of this home for the sake of the 125 vulnerable Albertans who have lived there for decades," said Smith.

"Keeping Michener open is the right thing to do."

Smith said almost 14,000 petition signatures have been collected since April from people all over Alberta.

While the province has not changed its stance on the closure of the centre, it did announce on Wednesday that it is adding 120 new supportive living spaces for people with disabilities and seniors in Red Deer.

The spaces are being funded in part by $10.2 million in grants through the Alberta government’s Affordable Supportive Living Initiative, and says project developers Points West Living Inc. and Christenson Communities Ltd. will pay the balance of the capital costs.

"These new spaces will make it possible for more seniors and our most vulnerable citizens to stay connected with their communities, families and friends, while getting the care and support they need," said George VanderBurg, associate minister of seniors, in a release.