DENVER -- Fifty developmentally disabled adults in Colorado are being told they are on their own. The way of life some have known for a decade is over because of budget cuts in the state.

Patrick Stephenson, 34, is one of them. He is upset and confused about having to move. He told 7NEWS reporter Dayle Cedars he wants to stay in his apartment.

"But there is no way, I can't afford it," said Stephenson.

Stephenson is mentally challenged and has received care from Developmental Pathways, an organization that works with disabled adults.

"I like being independent," said Stephenson.

But independent to him is very different than most.

"He does not drive," said Mary Stephenson, Patrick's mother. "He cannot handle money and a lot of the clients can't do that. They rely on other resources. He can't grocery shop without assistance."

The comprehensive care program Patrick Stephenson is enrolled in is completely funded by the state, but with budgets tight, the program has been cut.

"This isn't fair," said Mary Stephenson. "It truly isn't."

"It is obviously a difficult thing to have to cut the budget, but you have to do it sometimes," said Liz McDonough, of Colorado Human Services. "And you have to do it in the most responsible way possible."

McDonough said funding for the comprehensive program -- the one in which Patrick Stephenson was enrolled -- came from the state's general fund.

"You look for programs that will have the most general fund impact and would not impact the loss of other revenue, federal funds or grants or things like that," said McDonough, describing how it was determined this program was cut.

"I am kind of upset and mad," said Patrick Stephenson.

Stephenson said he doesn't really understand.

"That is what I hear frequently," said Mary Stephenson. "But I haven't done anything wrong, why are you doing this to me? That is a very common statement made by developmentally challenged people."

McDonough said the department of human services understands.

"It is a vulnerable population, but that is all this department serves," said McDonough.

Patrick Stephenson is appealing the decision, but he knows he will still have to move.

Developmental Pathways is working with Stephenson and its other clients to find other programs that can assist them.

McDonough said through this process they found clients who did not need comprehensive care, which is almost 24 hour care, but rather supplemental care.