diff --git a/docs/changelogs/1.2.0.md b/docs/changelogs/1.2.0.md
index 12601f9..f072df2 100644
--- a/docs/changelogs/1.2.0.md
+++ b/docs/changelogs/1.2.0.md
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 :octicons-issue-opened-24: Issue Ref | :fontawesome-solid-thumbtack: Summary | :material-message-text: Description
 -|-|-
 [No Ref] | Fix `csv_reader` documentation | Fix wrong parameter in `csv_reader` example documentation.
+[#46] | input elements are disabled when optional is True | Bug was causing the element to be disabled permanently when optional.
 
 
 ## Enhancements
diff --git a/onecode/elements/input_element.py b/onecode/elements/input_element.py
index 294ff8d..4f208e9 100644
--- a/onecode/elements/input_element.py
+++ b/onecode/elements/input_element.py
@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@ def disabled(self) -> Union[bool, str]:
             The element disabling condition.
 
         """
-        return self._disabled
+        return self._disabled if isinstance(self._disabled, str) else False
 
     @property
     def hide_when_disabled(self) -> bool: