The purpose of this qualitative study was the exploration of the college readiness phenomenon as experienced through the lives of students with physical disabilities. This study addresses the limited educational literature on college readiness for students with physical disabilities. This study also gives evidence in explaining why a disproportionate number of students with physical challenges attending and achieving in postsecondary education exists, as well as provides encouragement for pursuing and attaining a postsecondary degree to individuals with physical limitations. This study addressed two research questions: What is the lived experience of college readiness as a student with a physical disability? What situations or circumstances have influenced or affected the college readiness experiences of students with physical disabilities? A phenomenological research design guided the exploration of this study. Student departure theory, social cognitive theory, social identity theory, and critical disability theory join as theoretical frameworks. Study participants experienced the college readiness phenomenon and had a visual or orthopedic disability. Semi-structured interviews served as the primary source of hearing the experiences of college readiness. Five themes emerged: (1) self-image and physical disability, (2) social identity development and physical disability in secondary education, (3) social identity development and physical disability in higher education, (4) key contextual skills and awareness, and (5) academic readiness. The findings of this study showed the biopsychosocial model of disability is central to the college readiness success of higher education students with physical disabilities. Future studies exploring the biopsychosocial model of disability within education and hearing the voice of higher education students with physical disabilities are recommended. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]